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Journal Articles Molecular Simulation Year : 2006

Molecular dynamics simulation of energetic uranium recoil damage in zircon

Abstract

Defect production and amorphization due to energetic uranium recoils in zircon (ZrSiO$_4$), which is a promising ceramic nuclear waste form, is studied using molecular dynamics simulations with a partial charge model. An algorithm that distinguishes between undamaged crystal, crystalline defects and amorphous regions is used to develop a fundamental understanding of the primary damage state. The damage consists of under-coordinated Zr and polymerised Si leading to amorphization and phase separation on a nanometer scale into Zr-and Si-rich regions. This separation could play an important role in the experimentally observed formation of nanoscale ZrO$_2$ in ZrSiO$_4$ irradiated at elevated temperatures. The observed amorphisation and the associated volume expansion have the potential to enhance leaching of cations by providing diffusion pathways for cations and water molecules.
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Dates and versions

cea-02513503 , version 1 (20-03-2020)

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R. Devanathan, L. R Corrales, W. J. Weber, A. Chartier, C. Meis. Molecular dynamics simulation of energetic uranium recoil damage in zircon. Molecular Simulation, 2006, 32 (12-13), pp.1069-1077. ⟨10.1080/08927020600959929⟩. ⟨cea-02513503⟩

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