Fusion nuclear technology and materials: status and R&D needs

• Published in: Fusion engineering and design Vol. 25; no. 1; pp. 21 - 34
• Main Authors: Tillack, Mark, Sharafat, Shahram, Youssef, Mahmoud, Herring, Stephen, Malang, Siegfried, Sze, Dai Kai
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 1994; New York, NY Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Controled nuclear fusion plants; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy; Tokamak; Nuclear fusion reactor; Blanket; Materials; Surface plasma interaction; Safety; Research and development
• ISSN: 0920-3796; 1873-7196
• DOI: 10.1016/0920-3796(94)90051-5

The importance of fusion nuclear technology has grown in recent years due to advances in large tokamaks and a strong international movement towards a “next step” device such as ITER. Programs around the world have made major advances in the development of in-vessel reactor components. However, much further R&D will be required in order to develop attractive DEMO components. The realization that testing in a next-step fusion test reactor may be required in as little as 10 years has provided a new sense of urgency. In this paper, the current status and R&D needs are surveyed for the key in-vessel components, including blankets, plasma-facing components, and tritium systems. Special needs in the areas of neutronics, materials development and safety are highlighted.