Modelling the percolation-type transition in radiation damage

Following the concept of percolation-type transition in zircon under radiat ion damage suggested previously, the general simulation model of irradiated material is proposed. The model naturally gives rise to swelling of the un damaged crystalline part of irradiated material. X-ray scattering profiles are calculated and show broadening that increases with radiation damage, in good agreement with published experimental x-ray diffraction data on zirco n. The effect of percolation on material bulk properties is studied. (C) 20 00 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-8979(00)08711-9].