Thermal Properties and Behavior of Advanced W-Y2O3 Composites for Nuclear Fusion Applications

摘要: Under combined high heat flux and particle irradiation, damage evolution in tungsten-based materials is closely coupled to heat transport, microstructural stability, and local deformation capacity. This review examines the temperature-dependent thermophysical properties, transient thermal stresses, thermal shock response, and cyclic damage of W-Y2O3 composites. Particular attention is given to the effects of particles and interfaces, thermomechanical processing, recrystallization, and heated-surface orientation, together with property evolution during prolonged thermal exposure and helium irradiation. Densification and defect recovery can improve effective heat transport, while dispersed Y2O3 particles retard microstructural evolution through grain boundary pinning, with their effectiveness governed by particle size, spatial distribution, and interface characteristics. Recrystallization and orientation differences can produce distinct plastic deformation and crack propagation behavior in materials with similar cracking thresholds, whereas helium preloading modifies near-surface structures and subsequent damage development. By considering material states alongside applied thermal loading conditions, this review distinguishes crack initiation from damage accumulation under cyclic loading and proposes a framework for evaluating long-term performance that links microstructural evolution, thermophysical properties, and cracking behavior. Integrated characterization under identical loading histories and validation under independent test conditions are emphasized to guide microstructural design that balances heat dissipation, crack resistance, and high-temperature stability.