Irradiation-induced copper precipitation in the FeCu system including vacancy absorption: the V3C model

Rate theory (RT) simulations for two different FeCu model alloys, Fe-0.1%Cu and Fe-0.3%Cu, are reported which have been performed in conjunction with small angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments for samples neutron-irradiated at four different neutron doses. The newly developed Vacancy Coupled Copper Clustering (V3C) model is introduced and it is demonstrated what with only two fit parameters the whole set of sixteen independent experimental data points could be reproduced. It is also shown that our V3C model allows (in contrast to the RT models discussed in the literature) assessing the chemical composition of the mixed copper-vacancies clusters which are formed, especially in the Fe-0.1%Cu alloy. The experimental trends could be reproduced this way without any re-calibration of the V3C model.