Free energy of Xe incorporation at point defects and in nanovoids and bubbles in UO2

Murphy, S. T. and Chartier, A. and Van Brutzel, L. and Crocombette, J-P (2012) Free energy of Xe incorporation at point defects and in nanovoids and bubbles in UO2. Physical review B, 85 (14): 144102. ISSN 1098-0121

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Abstract

Intra- and intergranular fission gas bubbles in nuclear fuels are known to have a deleterious effect on fuel performance, particularly at high levels of burnup. The mechanisms by which randomly distributed fission gas atoms agglomerate to form larger fission bubbles are not well understood. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the thermodynamics of bubble nucleation from isolated point defects to nanovoids and ultimately to bubbles of approximate to 2.0 nm using molecular-dynamics simulations employing empirical pair potentials. A thermodynamic driving force for bubble nucleation from point defects is highlighted by the substantial reduction in the free energy of Xe atoms contained within larger bubbles relative to accommodation at point defects. The simulations also illustrate the processes that the lattice surrounding a fission gas bubble undergoes in order to prevent thermal resolution, clearly indicating the thermodynamic imperative to ensure the Xe remains in the bubble.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Physical review B
Subjects:
?? molecular-dynamics simulationirradiated uranium dioxidefission-gas bubblesdisplacement cascadesthermal-propertiesnuclear-fuelre-solutiondiffusionxenonpotentials ??
ID Code:
125455
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
24 May 2018 12:44
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 17:53