A review of molecular dynamic simulations to study the effect of helium bubble formation in metal crystals

Abstract

Abstract Nuclear power has the potential to replace traditional energy resources; however, the challenges associated with nuclear energy need to be addressed. The sustainable growth of nuclear power requires extensive studies to ensure a safer reactor and auxiliary structures lifecycle. This article aims to review the challenges associated with investigating the effect of irradiation on the thermo-mechanical behaviour of nuclear materials. Article has presented a comprehensive review of the atomistic simulations to investigate the impact of helium bubbles (generates from transmutation) on nuclear materials. The hazards associated with handling the irradiated samples of nuclear reactors have provided the impetus for developing computational models in the framework of atomistic environments. The temporal and spatial scale associated with irradiation-induced defects can be easily created in molecular dynamics-based simulations. This review article compiled force fields employed to simulate the interatomic interaction in metals in conjunction with helium bubble.