skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Failure Mechanisms in Continuous-Fiber Ceramic Composites in Fusion Energy Environments

Journal Article · · Journal of Nuclear Materials, 289:10-15

Silicon carbide composites are attractive for structural applications in fusion energy systems because of their low activation and afterheat properties, excellent high-temperature properties, corrosion resistance, and low density. These composites are relatively new materials with a limited database; however, there is sufficient understanding of their performance to identify key issues in their application. To date, dimensional changes of the constituents, microstructural evolution, radiation-enhanced creep, and slow crack growth have been identified as potential lifetime limiting mechanisms. Experimental evidence of these mechanisms, the factors that control them, and their implications on component lifetime will be discussed.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
15006792
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA-32947; JNUMAM; AT6020100; TRN: US0401114
Journal Information:
Journal of Nuclear Materials, 289:10-15, Vol. 289; ISSN 0022-3115
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English