Mechanisms of radiation creep initiated by the thermoelastic cascade field

Temperature field is described in a cascade region. High temperature gradients are shown to induce considerable stresses. A wave of thermoelastic stresses swings a dislocation segment either with subsecuent oscillation damping or with release from a fixing obstacle. Dimensions of the cascade effect zone, a region where dislocations become free of the fixation are estimated. Radiation creep rate is evaluated. A conclusion is drawn on a qualitative correspondence of a theoretical dependence of the creep rate on the temperature, stress and dislocation structure to the experimental data