Suppressing/enhancing effect of rhenium on helium clusters evolution in tungsten: Dependence on rhenium distribution

Abstract

The influence of rhenium (Re) on helium (He) evolution in tungsten (W) with different Re distribution is investigated using the first-principles calculations in combination with thermodynamic models. It is found that the He behaviors in W-Re system are closely related to the Re distribution. For the dispersed distribution of Re in W, it is found that a single Re atom only has slight effect on the behaviors of a He atom due to the weak interaction of Re-He1. Interestingly, with the increasing of He numbers, the binding energy between a single Re and He clusters increases rapidly from 0.03 eV for Re-He1 to 0.72 eV for Re-He4. Such high binding energy indicates the strong attraction of Re with He clusters in W. This can be rationalized by the large lattice distortion induced by He clusters, which reduces the electron density of He-occupied position and leads to the transition of neighboring Re/W atom from a substitutional site to an interstitial site. Because of the strong attraction of Re with He clusters, the Re addition effectively reduce the mobility of He clusters in W. As for the aggregated Re distribution, the He trapping capability of vacancy is weakened by Re clusters. These results are well consistent with the experimental observed suppressing effects of Re on the He-induced morphology in W. Further, based on the He behaviors in W-Re σ phase, we suppose that He will segregate from bulk W to Re-rich precipitates, thus enhancing the formation of He clusters. Consequently, our calculations suggest that the distribution of Re plays a key role on the He behaviors in W, which provides a good reference for the design and development of W-based alloys.