Relaxation of mechanical stresses generated by high-power ion beams in a vanadium alloy

Mechanisms of the defect substructure formation in the alloy V-0.45% Zr-0.2% C (at. %) upon relaxation of mechanical stresses generated by irradiation with a pulsed beam of protons and carbon ions at a power density of 5 x 10 ⁷ W/cm ₂ at various distances below the irradiated surface were studied. It was found that collective (rotational) modes of relaxation of these stresses intensely develop through the whole thickness of the ion-modified layer. The main structural types of the localized plastic-flow zones resulting upon stress relaxation were outlined, the specific features of the fine defect microstructure of these zones were studied, and their possible dislocation-disclination models were considered. The nature of the collective rotational mode of the relaxation of mechanical stresses generated by a high-power ion beam is discussed.