Behavior and computer simulation of SiC under irradiation with energetic particles

This paper reviews previous works focused on fundamental neutron damage simulations in beta-SiC. The reason ru propose ceramic composites based on SiC, instead of the monolithic form, is concluded. and the effect of radiation (neutron irradiation) on the macroscopic responses of the material are shown. Molecular dynamics simulations of threshold displacement energy, defect energetics, melting point. and 3-5 keV cascades are presented. together with a criticism of various interatomic potentials such as Pearson, Tersoff, and Modified Embedded Atom Model. Most of the presented results have been performed with Tersoff's potential which has demonstrated a better physics description of the material's parameters. The directional dependence of the threshold energy is mentioned, and the consequences of energetic cascades such as potential amorphization are compared with results of Si. The effect of the accumulation of damage. at a rate higher than expected in real Inertial Confinement Fusion applications is also mentioned. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.