Advanced materials for fusion energy

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.J. Zinkle ◽  
A. Kohyama
Keyword(s):  
Fusion Energy ◽  
Advanced Materials

Recent progress in the assessment of irradiation effects for in-vessel fusion materials: Tungsten and copper alloys

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dmitry Terentyev ◽  
Michael Rieth ◽  
Gerald Pintsuk ◽  
Johann Riesch ◽  
Alexander Von Muller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
High Temperature ◽  
Copper Alloys ◽  
Fusion Energy ◽  
Advanced Materials ◽  
High Temperature Strength ◽  
Present Contribution ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Operation Temperature ◽  
Plasma Facing Components

Abstract The present contribution highlights results of the recent irradiation campaigns applied to screen mechanical properties of advanced tungsten and copper-based materials – main candidates for the application in the plasma-facing components (PFC) in the European DEMO, which has also been presented at 28th IAEA Fusion Energy Conference. The main challenges in the formulated irradiation programme were linked to: (I) assessment of the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) of newly developed tungsten-based materials; (ii) investigation of an industrial pure tungsten grade under high temperature irradiation, reflecting operational conditions in the high flux divertor region; (iii) assessment of the high temperature strength of CuCrZr-based alloys and composites developed to enable the extension of the operational window for the heat sink materials. The development and choice of the advanced materials is driven naturally by the need to extend the operation temperature/fluence window thereby enlarging the design space for PFCs. The obtained results helped identifying the prospective tungsten and copper-based material grades as well as yielded a number of unexpected results pointing at severe degradation of the mechanical properties due to the irradiation. The results are discussed along with the highlights of the microstructural examination. An outlook for near future investigations involving in-depth post-irradiation examination and further irradiation campaigns is provided.

Developing a plasma focus research training system for the fusion energy age

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 1460313 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Focus ◽  
Scaling Laws ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Fusion Energy ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Training System ◽  
Advanced Materials ◽  
Plasma Stream ◽  
Pulsed Plasma ◽  
Lee Model Code

The 3 kJ UNU/ICTP Plasma Focus Facility is the most significant device associated with the AAAPT (Asian African Association for Plasma Training). In original and modified/upgraded form it has trained generations of plasma focus (PF) researchers internationally, producing many PhD theses and peer-reviewed papers. The Lee Model code was developed for the design of this PF. This code has evolved to cover all PF machines for design, interpretation and optimization, for derivation of radiation scaling laws; and to provide insights into yield scaling limitations, radiative collapse, speed-enhanced and current-stepped PF variants. As example of fresh perspectives derivable from this code, this paper presents new results on energy transfers of the axial and radial phases of generalized PF devices. As the world moves inexorably towards the Fusion Energy Age it becomes ever more important to train plasma fusion researchers. A recent workshop in Nepal shows that demand for such training continues. Even commercial project development consultants are showing interest. We propose that the AAAPT-proven research package be upgraded, by modernizing the small PF for extreme modes of operation, switchable from the typical strong-focus mode to a slow-mode which barely pinches, thus producing a larger, more uniform plasma stream with superior deposition properties. Such a small device would be cost-effective and easily duplicated, and have the versatility of a range of experiments from intense multi-radiation generation and target damage studies to superior advanced-materials deposition. The complementary code is used to reference experiments up to the largest existing machine. This is ideal for studying machine limitations and scaling laws and to suggest new experiments. Such a modernized versatile PF machine complemented by the universally versatile code would extend the utility of the PF experience; so that AAAPT continues to provide leadership in pulsed plasma research training in preparation for the Fusion Energy Age.

Biomimetic materials: An introduction

1992 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 1020-1021 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Sarikaya ◽  
J. T. Staley ◽  
I. A. Aksay
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Structural Control ◽  
Hierarchical Structures ◽  
Ceramic Composites ◽  
Advanced Materials ◽  
Length Scale ◽  
Spider Webs ◽  
Biomimetic Materials ◽  
Synthetic Materials ◽  
All Ceramic

Biomimetics is an area of research in which the analysis of structures and functions of natural materials provide a source of inspiration for design and processing concepts for novel synthetic materials. Through biomimetics, it may be possible to establish structural control on a continuous length scale, resulting in superior structures able to withstand the requirements placed upon advanced materials. It is well recognized that biological systems efficiently produce complex and hierarchical structures on the molecular, micrometer, and macro scales with unique properties, and with greater structural control than is possible with synthetic materials. The dynamism of these systems allows the collection and transport of constituents; the nucleation, configuration, and growth of new structures by self-assembly; and the repair and replacement of old and damaged components. These materials include all-organic components such as spider webs and insect cuticles (Fig. 1); inorganic-organic composites, such as seashells (Fig. 2) and bones; all-ceramic composites, such as sea urchin teeth, spines, and other skeletal units (Fig. 3); and inorganic ultrafine magnetic and semiconducting particles produced by bacteria and algae, respectively (Fig. 4).

On the path to fusion energy

2006 ◽  
Vol 133 ◽  
pp. 103-104
Author(s):  
M. Tabak
Keyword(s):  
Fusion Energy
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document