Projects
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| Reference Number | EP/Z002451/1 | |
| Title | FusMat - Tungsten-based high entropy alloys for fusion energy | |
| Status | Started | |
| Energy Categories | Nuclear Fission and Fusion (Nuclear Fusion) 100%; | |
| Research Types | Basic and strategic applied research 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials) 50%; ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Chemical Engineering) 25%; ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 25%; |
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| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Dr SA Humphry-Baker Materials Imperial College London |
|
| Award Type | Standard | |
| Funding Source | EPSRC | |
| Start Date | 01 October 2024 | |
| End Date | 30 September 2026 | |
| Duration | 24 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £192,297 | |
| Industrial Sectors | ||
| Region | London | |
| Programme | UKRI MSCA | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Dr SA Humphry-Baker , Materials, Imperial College London (100.000%) |
| Web Site | ||
| Objectives | ||
| Abstract | This project will develop advanced plasma-facing materials that may enable improvements in the efficiency and operating lifetime of future energy-producing fusion reactors. Such energy-demonstrating reactors may include the European Demonstration Power Plant (EU-DEMO) and the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (UK STEP). In all fusion tokamak configurations, the plasma-facing material (PFM) is exposed to an intense flux of particles of deuterium, tritium, helium and neutrons, which will degrade its performance. This leads to contamination of the reactor and consequently limit the reactor's operation. Baseline tungsten PFMs have already been identified for experimental (i.e. non-electricity producing) reactors, but the development of advanced tungsten-based alloys with improved thermal-mechanical performance and irradiation damage tolerance remains a vital concern for the future.In this research, I will develop a fundamental understanding of how W-based high entropy alloys (HEAs) degrade in extreme fusion reactor environments. Recently, these alloys have been proposed as having unrivalled resistance to neutron fluxes. However, to date their thermophysical properties and plasma-facing performance remain poorly understood.The goal of this work is the development of advanced tungsten-based HEAs via two interlinked work-packages: First, I will process new W-based HEAs and study their fundamental thermal and mechanical properties. Second, I will study their behaviour under fusion relevant plasma conditions including fluxes of heavy ions and hydrogen. By interlinking the microstructure, the fundamental materials properties, and the damage tolerance, my project will guide the development of materials with improved performance that are vital for commercial reactor operation. | |
| Data | No related datasets |
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| Projects | No related projects |
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| Publications | No related publications |
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| Added to Database | 16/10/24 | |
