About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Interrelated Extremes in Materials Degradation for Fission and Fusion Environments
|
| Presentation Title |
Revealing deformation behaviour of tungsten-copper composites for fusion applications |
| Author(s) |
John H. Cooper |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
John H. Cooper |
| Abstract Scope |
Fusion energy is at a critical point: with more private funding than ever, there is a growing consensus that commercialization is within reach. Yet significant materials challenges remain before fusion power puts electrons on the grid. Tungsten-copper (W-Cu) composites are a promising class of materials, with high-temperature strength and good thermal conductivity. Focusing on commercially available W-Cu, we investigate these composites using in situ microscopy and neutron diffraction during loading at room temperature, 350°C, and 550°C to characterize their temperature-dependent deformation and fracture behavior. In situ microscopy provides insight on crack initiation points and the toughening effect of the Cu matrix. In situ diffraction reveals load partitioning between the two phases and highlights the sharp drop in the load-carrying capacity of copper at elevated temperatures. These results underscore the need for a homogeneously distributed Cu matrix and well-connected W skeleton when designing W-Cu composites for future fusion applications. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Additive Manufacturing, Characterization, Composites |