About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T26: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
2026 Graduate Student Poster Contest
|
| Presentation Title |
SPG-27: Design of Ductile Tungsten-Based Alloys with Improved Irradiation-Transmutation Response for Fusion Applications |
| Author(s) |
Mkpe Ojong Kekung, Mathew M. Swisher, Hailong Huong, Andrew Kustas, Alexander Birmingham, Samara M. Levine, Robert A. Roach, Duane D. Johnson, Kevin Field, Ryan T. Ott, Sougata Roy, Prashant Singh |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Mkpe Ojong Kekung |
| Abstract Scope |
Tungsten (W) is a leading candidate for fusion first-wall applications, but alloy development must address not only intrinsic brittleness but also post-irradiation radiological performance. We present an integrated computational framework for designing W-based multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) with improved activation behavior while retaining mechanical robustness. The approach combines first-principles thermodynamics, electronic-structure calculations, machine-learning ductility prediction, dislocation modeling, and irradiation-transmutation analysis to evaluate coupled phase-stability, strength-ductility balance, and radiological response. W-V-rich compositions form strongly stabilized BCC solid solutions, while controlled Ti additions improve ductility without sacrificing solid-solution strengthening. The optimized W30-50Ti10-20V40-60 composition range exhibits high stiffness, yield strength, and ductility with moderated Peierls stress. Post-irradiation simulations under one full-power-year operation predict composition-dependent helium-hydrogen production, gamma dose rate, and decay heat, with W-Ti-V alloys showing reduced short-term radiological burdens relative to Ta- and Re-containing systems. These results establish a predictive pathway for designing fusion-relevant W alloys with balanced mechanical and radiological performance. |