About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
Materials in Nuclear Energy Systems (MiNES) 2025
|
| Symposium
|
Materials in Nuclear Energy Systems (MiNES) 2025
|
| Presentation Title |
Advancing Liquid Metal Compatibility for Fusion Devices |
| Author(s) |
Marie Romedenne, Claude De Lamater-Brotherton, Nick Russell, Yi Feng Su, Bruce A. Pint |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Marie Romedenne |
| Abstract Scope |
Liquid metals such as lithium (Li), eutectic lead-lithium (PbLi), and tin (Sn) are being explored for their potential to handle the extreme thermal loads in fusion devices, particularly at the first wall and structural components. While their high thermal conductivity and heat transport capabilities make them promising candidates, the deployment of these materials is constrained by compatibility challenges with structural alloys under high-temperature and irradiation conditions. Research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is addressing these challenges through advanced experimental studies and material characterization techniques. Static and flowing liquid metal tests at temperatures up to 700 °C and durations up to 2,000 hours have revealed critical mechanisms of inter-material mass transfer, alloy degradation, and the influence of alloy microstructure and composition. In-situ liquid metal purification methods are being developed to control liquid metal chemistry and assess its impact on degradation rates. Combined stress-corrosion and irradiation effects are being evaluated using unique test setups, complemented by high-resolution post-exposure characterization to clarify damage mechanisms. These efforts are driving the development of irradiation-resistant materials, advanced coatings, and impurity control strategies shaping next-generation fusion reactor designs to ensure the long-term performance and reliability of liquid-metal-based systems. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |