thermal spikes and super-quenched zones Radiation response of amorphous metal alloys: Subcascades

2014 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. We investigate the radiation response of amorphous metal alloys using molecular dynamics simulations of 0.5 MeV primary knock-on atoms (PKAs) in 0.5-billion-atom models. The PKAs dissipate their energy in spatially distinct subcascades, rather than continuous ion tracks. The subcascades initiate localized thermal spikes that melt and quench rapidly to ambient temperature, leaving behind vitrified amorphous zones of exceptionally high fictive temperature. These "super-quenched zones" may account for experimental observations of radiation-induced void-free saturable swelling and radiation-enhanced ductility in metallic glasses. We also assess the effect of composition and degree of relaxation on radiation response of amorphous metal alloys.

Radiation response of amorphous metal alloys: Subcascades, thermal spikes and super-quenched zones Academic Article