Molecular dynamics simulations of displacement cascades in pure Fe, Fe-0.2Cu and Fe-2at%Cu were performed for various primary knock-on atom energies. Typical defects (vacancies, interstitials) appeared during the cascade process. Most of the defects recombined within the first few ps. The presence of Cu atoms did not seem to affect the primary damage within the time-span covered by molecular dynamics. Neither Cu precipitates nor dilute atmospheres were observed to form during the molecular dynamics simulations. However, a tendency to form mixed objects (vacancies or interstitials combined with Cu atoms) was observed in the case of Fe-2at%Cu. It was concluded that the numerous vacancies which were left at the end of the cascade recombination phase would interact with Cu atoms and act as attractive centers. The role played by interstitials was less clear.

The Role of Cu in Displacement Cascades Examined by Molecular Dynamics. C.S.Becquart, C.Domain, J.C.Van Duysen, J.M.Raulot: Journal of Nuclear Materials, 2001, 294[3], 274-87