Frontiers in Materials (Feb 2022)

Helium-Hydrogen Synergistic Effects in Structural Materials Under Fusion Neutron Irradiation

  • Jia Huang,
  • Haocheng Liu,
  • Zhiying Gao,
  • Yue Su,
  • Qingyuan Liu,
  • Wei Ge,
  • Fengping Luo,
  • Songqin Xia,
  • Liuxuan Cao,
  • Jianming Xue,
  • Yugang Wang,
  • Chenxu Wang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2022.849115
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9

Abstract

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In fusion reactors, 14 MeV high-energy neutron irradiation of structural materials will produce large amounts of helium and hydrogen simultaneously with displacement defects. These He and H atoms will interact with displacement defects, leading to He-H synergistic effects and aggravating the irradiation damage. Currently, there exist no available high-flux fusion neutron sources. Additionally, the neutron energy spectrum and the generation of He and H in fission reactors or spallation neutron sources greatly differ from those in fusion reactors. Multi-ion beam irradiation is a promising method to emulate the synergistic effects induced by fusion neutron irradiation. This review summarizes the experimental studies on the He-H synergistic effects, and analyzes the effects of He and H on cavity evolution and swelling under multi-ion beam irradiation. The roles of various experimental factors are also discussed. More systematically controlled experiments are suggested to develop a comprehensive understanding of He-H synergistic effects in structural materials.

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