Atomistic simulations which were based upon the embedded atom method were used to model the formation of stacking fault tetrahedra. The tetrahedra were observed in face-centered cubic metals following both irradiation and plastic deformation. They had a marked effect upon defect accumulation and microstructural evolution in the irradiated material. Starting from the vacancy-rich regions which were produced in high-energy displacement cascades, molecular dynamics simulations were performed at a range of temperatures and stacking fault tetrahedra formation was observed.

Atomistic Simulation of Stacking Fault Tetrahedra Formation in Cu. B.D.Wirth, V.Bulatov, T.Diaz de la Rubia: Journal of Nuclear Materials, 2000, 283-287[B], 773-7