Damage evolutions of completely recrystallized W–Y2O3 composite evaluated using the dual effects of electron beam thermal shock and helium ion irradiation

Abstract Extreme service environments inevitably lead to the recrystallization of tungsten. This study investigates the behavior of completely recrystallized W–Y2O3 composite materials under transient thermal shock and helium irradiation conditions based on first wall service environment. The addition of Y2O3 particles exhibits a significant effect in terms of the crack resistance of the material. After helium ion irradiation, the aggregation of fuzz structures inside the cracks becomes increasingly evident as the crack width in the thermal shock region increases. Moreover, the resistance of Y2O3 particles to irradiation damage improves as the particle size decreases. The phase interface plays an important role in the helium ions irradiation process.