Fusion Reactor Materials Development and Characterization Division

Fusion Reactor Materials Development and Characterization Division has been formed at IPR in April, 2012.

Goal:

Development of structural and functional materials for fusion reactors, Neutron/Ion irradiation study of Fusion materials as well as setting up of characterization facilities useful for the materials R & D and qualification under entire fusion materials program.

Why we should develop fusion Materials?

Fusion Reactor Materials development will help in achieving the generation of fusion power in future. However, for achieving this objective, different structural and functional materials will be required which can with-stand extreme conditions of high neutronic, heat and mechanical loading and environmental conditions in the fusion reactor. This is possible with improving the existing candidate materials and rigorous R & D efforts for developing a new class of materials. These materials will satisfy expected mechanical, thermal, thermo-mechanical, chemical, compositional, structural properties for the near-term and future requirements of reactors to be built.

Planned Activities:

• Structural Materials Development : Development of Oxide dispersion strengthened steels (ODS-9Cr RAFM steel and ODS-12 Cr RAF steel) and  SiCf / SiC composites .
• Functional Materials Development : Special coatings development for Tritium barrier and membrane application, Light weight heat resistive shielding material development, Special ceramics for IR and RF windows, Ceramic membrane for proton conduction.
• R & D for Fabrication Technology : Laser, TIG and electron beam welding, Non destructive Testing,  Hydrogen embrittlement of steel joints
• R & D on Neutron and Ion irradiation of Materials : Experimental study and Modeling
• Charachterization facilities : Facilities for Fusion materials Characterization.