Mechanistic study of the irradiation degradation of mechanical properties of fusion structural materials

One of the challenges that limit the exploitation of nuclear fusion energy is about materials. Structural materials for fusion applications are exposed to unique environments and it is crucial to understand the behaviours of their mechanical properties during such service conditions.

This project will experimentally analyse and characterize the degradation of the mechanical properties, particularly the brittle-ductile behaviour, of fusion alloys including tungsten-based and steels, during irradiation. The microstructure of the materials will be comprehensively characterized before undergoing irradiation. Post irradiation evaluation of mechanical properties including toughness will be performed alongside advanced microstructural characterisation techniques such as transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography to reveal the underlying physical mechanisms driving these mechanical property changes.

A likely focus will be placed on additively manufactured samples and components to investigate how this novel production route affects the susceptibility and mechanisms of the radiation damage. After this there is a potential to analyse how different build parameters can enhances the resistance of a component to irradiation damage making them more viable for use in proposed future commercial fusion reactors.