ASC Image Library
Predictive Capability—Helium Bubbles
Growth of multiple helium bubbles is simulated within a metallic lattice in which the helium bubbles are placed in proximity to a free surface. The bubbles themselves are modeled using force fields with time-varying ranges. The growing bubbles produce crystalline defects including vacancies, dislocation threads, and stacking fault tetrahedra. The dislocation threads are observed not only to interconnect the bubbles, but also to create paths to the free surface.