Cluster dynamics modeling of accumulation and diffusion of helium in neutron irradiated tungsten

Abstract

A cluster dynamics model based on rate theory has been developed to study the accumulation and diffusion processes of helium in tungsten under synergistic effects of helium implantation and neutron irradiation. By including self-interstitial atoms, vacancies and helium atoms as well as their clusters and further using more reliable parameters, the evolution of different types of defects with time and depth is investigated. The calculated results are comparable with experiments. The cases of helium plasma corresponding to the first wall and to the divertor are taken into account. The accumulation and diffusion behaviors of helium in tungsten are illustrated by the time and depth dependence of helium concentration in tungsten with or without the neutron irradiation, the contribution of different types of helium clusters/complexes to helium concentration and the depth profiles of different mobile defects and helium–vacancy complexes. It is concluded that the competition of trapping and diffusion effects dominates the behavior of helium atoms in tungsten for these two typical cases. Understanding these mechanisms is important for estimating damages to the plasma-facing materials.