Goals

• Develop the scientific understanding of the mechanisms which control the physical, mechanical, and chemical behavior of materials in the fusion environment
• Identify performance limiting phenomena and apply the scientific underpinning to the continued development of improved properties and the expansion of performance windows
• Aquire performance data (physical, mechanical, compatibility, radiation effects) and provide guidance for fusion design studies

Performance Targets

• Investigate key underpinning materials science phenomena that will support economically attractive fusion power system designs
  • Fabricability, weldability, joining technology for field assembly
  • Compatibility with operating environment (coolant,tritium breeder, ambient atmosphere, special purpose coatings, hydrogen plasma)
  • Adequate performance design window (operating temperature limits, stress limits, irradiation damage)
  • Reliability and maintainability
• Explore material systems that will achieve the potential of fusion as an environmentally attractive energy source
  • Materials not requiring long term geological disposal
  • Potential for recycle of materials to minimize environmental impact
• Study material systems that will achieve the potential of fusion as a safe energy source from the viewpoint of the worker and the public
  • Acceptable levels of heat from radioactive decay and chemical reactions
  • Limited dispersability of radioactivity