Effect of applied strain on radiation damage in CoCrFeNi concentrated solid solution alloys: Insights from molecular dynamics simulations

The selection of suitable structural materials is crucial for ensuring the safe operation of nuclear reactors and preventing radiation-induced material failure. Concentrated solid solution alloys (CSAs) have emerged as promising candidates due to their outstanding radiation resistance. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate the influence of strain on the radiation damage behavior of a four-component equiatomic CoCrFeNi CSA, with pure face-centered cubic Ni analyzed for comparison. The simulation results indicate that CoCrFeNi CSA exhibits greater resistance to strain effects than Ni. The applied strain also impacts the formation of interstitial dumbbells; compression diminishes the differences between element fractions, while tension accentuates them. Additionally, a comparative analysis between CoCrFeNi CSA and Ni during continuous bombardment was undertaken, shedding light on their distinct behaviors. These observations offer significant insights into the radiation-damage behavior of CSAs under applied strain, contributing to a better understanding of their irradiation resistance.