Interaction between mobile dislocations and perfect dislocation loops in Fe-Ni-Cr austenitic alloy systems

The classical molecular dynamics method is employed to simulate the interaction of screw and edge dislocations with interstitial perfect dislocation loops (of 2 and 5 nm in diameter) in the austenitic model alloy Fe70Ni10Cr20 at temperatures of T = 300–900 K. Perfect loops can be created from Frank loops during the plastic deformation of irradiated austenitic steels applied in nuclear reactors. As a result, the dislocation-defect interaction mechanisms are established and classified. The loop absorption mechanisms, which are related to the formation of free channels capable of enhancing radiation-induced steel embrittlement, are revealed. The effectivenesses of loop absorption observed during their interaction with screw and edge dislocations, as well as unpinning stresses required for a dislocation to overcome the defect acting as an obstacle, are compared versus the material temperature, defect size, and interaction geometry.