Molecular dynamics computer simulations, using the Tersoff potential, were made of 3 or 5keV displacement cascades and of damage accumulation. The cascade lifetime was found to be extremely short. This fact, together with the high melting point of the carbide, prevented direct lattice amorphization during the cascade. Although large disordered regions were created, these retained their basic crystalline structure. The results also revealed an anisotropy in the number of Si and C recoils, as well as in the number of replacements in each sub-lattice.

T.Diaz de la Rubia, J.M.Perlado, M.Tobin: Journal of Nuclear Materials, 1996, 233-237B, 1096-101