Effect of irradiation-induced defects on fusion reactor ceramics

Conference · Tue Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:5111817

Clinard, Jr, F W

Structural, thermal, and electrical properties critical to performance of ceramics in a fusion environment can be profoundly altered by irradiation effects. Neutron damage may cause swelling, reduction of thermal conductivity, increase in dielectric loss, and either reduction or enhancement of strength depending on the crystal structure and defect content of the material. Absorption of ionizing energy inevitably leads to degradation of insulating properties, but these changes can be reduced by alterations in structural or compositional makeup. Assessment of the irradiation response of candidate ceramics Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/, MgAl/sub 2/O/sub 4/, SiC and Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ shows that each may find use in advanced fusion devices. The present understanding of irradiation-induced defects in ceramics, while far from complete, nevertheless points the way to methods for developing improved materials for fusion applications.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA). Materials Science and Technology Div.
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 5111817
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-86-3123; CONF-8609138-3; ON: DE87000144
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360206* -- Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories-- Radiation Effects
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700209 -- Fusion Power Plant Technology-- Component Development & Materials Testing
ALKALINE EARTH METAL COMPOUNDS
ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS
ALUMINIUM OXIDES
CARBIDES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CERAMICS
CHALCOGENIDES
DEFECTS
MAGNESIUM COMPOUNDS
MAGNESIUM OXIDES
MATERIALS
NITRIDES
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
PNICTIDES
RADIATION EFFECTS
SILICON CARBIDES
SILICON COMPOUNDS
SILICON NITRIDES
SWELLING
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
THERMONUCLEAR REACTOR MATERIALS