Fusion neutron test facility requirements for interactive effects in structural and high-heat-flux components

Abstract

A relevant design data base is needed for structural components in near-term and commercial fusion devices. A high-flux, high-fluence fusion neutron test facility is required for testing the failure mechanisms and lifetime-limiting features for first wall, blanket, and high-heat-flux components. We describe here the key aspects of the fusion environment which influence the response of structural and high-heat-flux components. In addition to test capabilities for fundamental radiation-effects phenomena, e.g., swelling, creep, embrittlement, and hardening, it is shown that the facility must provide an adequate range of conditions for accelerated tests to study the limitations on component lifetime due to the interaction between such fundamental phenomena. In high-heat-flux components, testing of the failure mechanisms of duplex structures is shown to require maintenance of an appropriate temperature gradient in the 14-MeV neutron field. Thermal stresses are shown to result in component failure, particularly when the degradation in the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties by irradiation are considered. Several factors are discussed for assessment of the failure modes of the first wall and blanket structures. These are displacement-damage dose and dose rate, the amount of helium gas generated, the magnitude of irradiation and thermal creep, prototypical temperature and temperature-gradient distributions, module geometry, and external mechanical constraints.