Effects of Point Defects on the Stable Occupation, Diffusion and Nucleation of Xe and Kr in UO2

Xe and Kr gases produced during the use of uranium dioxide (UO2)-fuelled reactors can easily form bubbles, resulting in fuel swelling or performance degradation. Therefore, it is important to understand influence point defects on behaviour UO2. In this work, effects behavioural characteristics Xe/Kr clusters UO2 have been systematically studied using molecular dynamics. The results show that occupy vacancies as nucleation points by squeezing U atoms out lattice, existence makes more stable. diffusion interstitial also investigated. It found activation energy ~2 eV very difficult. bubbles at high temperatures. system, easier form.