Molecular-dynamics study of the decomposition of an unstable Ni-Ag alloy

Thomas J. Colla, Herbert M. Urbassek, Robert S. Averback

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

In an attempt to understand how ballistically mixed alloys decompose under the influence of an ion-induced thermal spike, we perform model molecular-dynamics simulations in unstable random NixAg1-x alloys. We study the time dependence of decomposition as a function of the temperature, density and concentration in the alloy by monitoring the short-range order parameter and atom mobility. Mobility is diffusion-like; its temperature dependence is determined by activation energies of 2.6 (3.6) eV for Ag (Ni) atoms. The decomposition is strongly assisted by the reduced atom densities which are characteristic of thermal spikes. Decomposition works most efficiently in a mid-concentration range (x = 0.5), since here the heat of mixing liberated by the decomposition process heats the system and enhances diffusion.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)369-377
Number of pages9
JournalNuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms
Volume153
Issue number1-4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1999
EventProceedings of the 1998 4th International Conference on Computer Simulation of Radiation Effects in Solids (COSIRES) - Okayama, Jpn
Duration: Sep 15 1998Sep 19 1998

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • Instrumentation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Molecular-dynamics study of the decomposition of an unstable Ni-Ag alloy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this