Effect of helium bubble formation on the recrystallization and mechanical properties of tungsten

Recrystallization is an important concern for ITERs tungsten diverter as it can reduce resistance to cracking and thermal shocks. The presence of helium bubbles within the material can change the dynamics of recrystallization as they can pin grain boundaries and retard further grain growth. The bubbles themselves also change the mechanical properties of tungsten as they are gas-filled voids within the material. Understanding these processes will be essential in order to estimate the operational life of ITERs divertor tiles and the optimal conditions required to maximise the performance of divertor components.