Mesoscale model for fission-induced recrystallization in U-7Mo alloy ⋆

• A mesoscale model for fission-induced recrystallization is developed.
• The influence of initial microstructure on the recrystallization kinetics is studied.
• Approach to control recrystallization kinetics is proposed through modifying the initial grain size.

A mesoscale model is developed by integrating the rate theory and phase-field models and is used to study the fission-induced recrystallization in U-7Mo alloy. The rate theory model is used to predict the dislocation density and the recrystallization nuclei density due to irradiation. The predicted fission rate and temperature dependences of the dislocation density are in good agreement with experimental measurements. This information is used as input for the multiphase phase-field model to investigate the fission-induced recrystallization kinetics. The simulated recrystallization volume fraction and bubble-induced swelling agree well with experimental data. The effects of the fission rate, initial grain size, and grain morphology on the recrystallization kinetics are discussed based on an analysis of recrystallization growth rate using the modified Avrami equation. We conclude that the initial microstructure of the U-Mo fuels, especially the grain size, can be used to effectively control the rate of fission-induced recrystallization and therefore swelling.

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