Recent Studies on Void Shrinkage in Metallic Materials Subjected to In Situ Heavy Ion Irradiations

• Published in: JOM (1989) Vol. 72; no. 11; pp. 4008 - 4016
• Main Authors: Niu, T., Nasim, M., Annadanam, R. G. S., Fan, C., Li, Jin, Shang, Z., Xue, Y., El-Azab, A., Wang, H., Zhang, X.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.11.2020; Springer Nature B.V; Springer
• Subjects: Chemistry/Food Science; Earth Sciences; Engineering; Environment; Heavy ions; in situ; Ion irradiation; Machine learning; MATERIALS SCIENCE; Mechanical properties; Metals; Nanostructured Materials under Extreme Environments; nanovoids; Physics; Point defects; Radiation; radiation damage; Radiation effects; Radiation tolerance; Shrinkage; Temperature
• ISSN: 1047-4838; 1543-1851
• DOI: 10.1007/s11837-020-04358-3

The continuous formation and growth of voids induced by radiations in metallic materials may lead to significant microstructure damage and degradation of mechanical properties. In sharp contrast to the void swelling commonly observed in irradiated metallic materials, nanovoids in nanoporous metallic materials are found to shrink during radiation and thus nanovoids enhance the radiation tolerance of metallic materials. This article reviews recent studies on size-dependent void shrinkage in metallic materials subject to in situ heavy ion irradiation. Furthermore, we demonstrate the capability of machine learning in identifying and tracking the evolution of nanovoids. The physical mechanisms of radiation induced void shrinkage revealed by simulation studies are briefly summarized.