"Investigating Solid Solution Effects on Dislocation Dynamics in BCC FeCr at the Atomistic Level" 

Kieran Edmonds, MSE PhD Candidate 

Advisor: Professor Anter El-Azab

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ABSTRACT

Ferritic steels, based on the binary FeCr system, are leading candidates for blanket and cladding components in nuclear fusion. However, they are susceptible to low temperature hardening embrittlement, and a multiscale model for understanding strength and plasticity in these alloys is needed. The bedrock of this model lies in a physics-based understanding of dislocation dynamics. Here, I discuss the efforts underway to characterize dislocation behavior using molecular dynamics. I provide a theoretical background on solid solution strengthening, and then review recent advances in simulating dislocation motion in BCC FeCr. I then discuss my own research on the impacts of local and global environmental conditions on dislocation mobility, across a wide range of dislocation characters.