| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2022 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Refractory Metals
|
| Presentation Title |
Nanostructured Tungsten Alloys for Nuclear Fusion |
| Author(s) |
Neal Parkes, Alexander Knowles, Chris Hardie |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Neal Parkes |
| Abstract Scope |
Nuclear fusion offers a utopian vision for large-scale low-carbon energy production. Although great progress has been achieved on the underpinning plasma physics, engineering materials are increasingly the limiting factor. Tungsten is the leading candidate for the first wall and divertor for its high melting point and sputtering resistance. However, tungsten’s low ductile to brittle transition temperature (DBTT) and poor irradiation tolerance makes its use a major issue. One approach to improve its mechanical properties is through nanostructuring and grain refinement.
Here we explore novel tungsten alloys that exploit phase decomposition to create nano-sized precipitates and grains. Alloys produced through arc melting and powder metallurgy methods, were characterised by EBSD, EDS and x-ray diffraction. Thermal heat treatments were applied to confirm the stable phases, and to promote phase decomposition & nanostructuring. The novel microstructural characterised are sought to gain improved radiation resistance, and mechanical properties at room temperature. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Nuclear Materials, Other, High-Entropy Alloys |