High-Shear-Strength, Radiation-Resistant Electrical Insulations for Plasma Confinement Magnets

The United States Department of Energy is developing several devices to advance the development of fusion energy. Key components of these systems are the large, complex magnet systems used to shape and confine the plasma. Electrical insulations are needed to ensure that these magnets operate reliably over long periods of time, and improvements in shear strength and radiation resistance will be critical in achieving this goal. High-strength electrical insulations will be developed to address the needs of future fusion energy devices. These insulators will be designed to provide high mechanical strength and radiation resistance, and will be compatible with state-of-the-art magnet fabrication processes. The proposed work involves the development and testing of high-strength, radiation-resistant electrical insulations. The strength, fatigue life, and electrical characteristics of the new insulations will be measured in Phase I and the properties of these new mateirals will be assessed relative to the anticipated design considerations for future fusion magnets. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: In addition to providing improved products for use in the construction of fusion magnets, the advanced electrical insulations to be produced in this will likely also used be used in medical devices such as cancer therapy and imaging systems, high-field accelerator magnets, and motors and generators that operate under extreme conditions