Research Programme

With the proposed equipment, this facility will be able to make a relevant and competitive contribution to the study of fusion-induced modifications to materials, undertaking studies which either have already been proposed, or which will be proposed in the future:

• Irradiation effects in structural materials.

• Modifications in the mechanical and physical properties, and the microstructure of structural and functional materials and technological components induced by operational conditions. The degradation of the mechanical properties under irradiation. The study of the brittleness enhancement and fragility mechanisms of metallic structures. Structural modifications induced by radiation damage.

• Synergetic effects of H and He impurification and radiation damage on the mechanical and physical properties, and the microstructure of fusion relevant materials.

• The mechanical properties of new alloys. New materials qualification.

• The chemical characterization (analysis and distribution) on an atomic scale of fusion relevant materials. The study of physical phenomena related to radiation damage.

• High temperature properties of the interface metal matrix – coating.

• Characterization of the interaction between the plasma and the first wall materials.

• Erosion/redeposition phenomena on plasma facing materials.

• H and He analysis of first wall materials and components (the retention of light elements, tritium inventory).

• The corrosion of materials and components under liquid lithium.

• The synergetic effect of dynamic liquid lithium and stress on the degradation of mechanical properties, particularly creep and creep-fatigue.