Multiscale modelling and experimental investigation of radiation effects in oxides and heavy metals
Lead Research Organisation:
Loughborough University
Department Name: School of Mathematics
Abstract
The way in which radiation affects the structure of materials is a very important scientific question which has bearing on a lot of important problems. Examples include the operation of nuclear reactors, the long term storage and environmental effects of radioactive waste but also examples where ion beams are used to modify or analyse materials, such as in the processing of silicon chips or in depth profiling in surface analysis. To investigate how radiation affects different materials, atomistic computer models are often used. Such molecular dynamics simulation models have often in the past been limited to relatively small systems and for materials of fairly simple composition. With the expansion of high performance computing power and new algorithms for extending time scales much more realistic computer simulations can be carried out. However many of the techniques used to extend length and time scales are still in the process of being developed and this proposal is involved with both the development of new algorithmic techniques and their application to practical materials science problems, such as the question What constitutes a radiation tolerant material? or Why do certain materials react to radiation effects in different ways? .By bringing together two UK groups with different expertise in a cross-disciplinary investigation of radiation effects and linking them with different groups at one of the world's leading research laboratories in Los Alamos, a firm understanding of these important questions will be obtained.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Roger Smith (Principal Investigator) | |
Robin Grimes (Co-Investigator) |
Publications
Ball J
(2008)
Defect processes in MgAl2O4 spinel
in Solid State Sciences
Gilbert CA
(2009)
A theoretical study of intrinsic point defects and defect clusters in magnesium aluminate spinel.
in Journal of physics. Condensed matter : an Institute of Physics journal
Kittiratanawasin L
(2010)
Displacement threshold and Frenkel pair formation energy in ionic systems
in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms
Kittiratanawasin L
(2008)
Atomistic simulations of radiation induced defect formation in the Er2O3 sesquioxide
in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms
Kittiratanawasin L
(2009)
Radiation damage and evolution of radiation-induced defects in Er(2)O(3) bixbyite.
in Journal of physics. Condensed matter : an Institute of Physics journal
Murphy S
(2009)
Cation diffusion in magnesium aluminate spinel
in Solid State Ionics
Murphy S
(2010)
Non-stoichiometry in MgAl 2 O 4 spinel
in Philosophical Magazine
Richter A
(2008)
Changes in the mechanical properties of irradiated MgO(100) crystals investigated by nanoindentation and computer simulation
in Journal of Nuclear Materials
Scott C
(2011)
Surface topography induced by swift heavy ion impacts
in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms
Scott C
(2010)
Radiation effects at the HfO2-MgO interface
in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms
Description | This was a joint project between Loughborough, Imperial College and Los Alamos National laboratory in the USA. The main outcomes were an understanding of how different oxides behave under irradiation. For example in spinels anti site and other defects are formed which are very stable and revert back to a pure crystal only over many years, thus showing that spinels can be radiation resistant structures. The methodology allows many different systems to be considered and similarly analysed such as Pu which is not so structurally stable. |
Exploitation Route | The modelling techniques are of potential use to the Nuclear Industry. AWE have funded work on the heavy metal part of the project. A workshop was organise by the collaborators in Santa Fe open to research laboratories, industrial partners and academia. |
Sectors | Energy Environment |
Description | COSIRES 2012 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Scientific meeting (conference/symposium etc.) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Type Of Presentation | paper presentation |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | talk sparked questions and discussions afterwards discussions on future international research collaborations. Editor of conference proceedings |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
URL | http://cosires.newmexicoconsortium.org |
Description | Workshop in Santa Fe |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | This workshop was partly funded by the grant and resulted in lost of feedback. The workshop extended research collaboration with Los Alamos and links with other groups |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |