Kinetic Monte Carlo studies of the effects of Burgers vector changes on the reaction kinetics of one-dimensionally gliding interstitial clusters

Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of one-dimensionally diffusing interstitial clusters (dislocation loops) are used to gain insight into their role in m icrostructure evolution under irradiation. The simulations investigate the changes in reaction kinetics of these defects as a function of changes in t he Burgers vector and variation in the size and density of randomly or peri odically distributed sinks. In this paper we report on several kinetic Mont e Carlo studies intended to elucidate the effects of mixed 1-D/3-D migratio n relative to pure 3-D and pure 1-D migration. We have investigated the eff ects of variation of the average distance traveled between Burgers vector c hanges [L] on the absorption of individual defects into absorbers of varyin g size and varying concentration, as well as the effects of variation in [L ] on the time dependence of absorption of a collection of defects into an a rray of absorbers. Significant effects of Burgers vector changes on the rea ction kinetics of the diffusing interstitial clusters are clearly demonstra ted. Even when [L] is large relative to the size and spacing of microstruct ural features, significant effects of mixed 1-D/3-D migration on reaction k inetics are evident. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.