Radiation damage in graphite showing the induced crystal dimensional strains

Fig. 6. Radiation damage in graphite showing the induced crystal dimensional strains. Impinging fast neutrons displace carbon atoms from their equilibrium lattice positions, producing an interstitial and vacancy. The coalescence of vacancies causes contraction in the a-direction, whereas interstitials may coalesce to form dislocation loops (essentially new graphite planes) causing c-direction expansion.

Fig. 4.26. Radiation damage in graphite showing the induced crystal dimensional strains.

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