Advanced Method of Joining RAFM/ODS Steels for Fusion Reactors

The materials and structures for fusion reactors must function for a long time in a uniquely hostile environment that includes combinations of high temperatures, reactive chemicals, high stresses, and intense damaging radiation. Manufacturing of components, particularly joining of materials, has been addressed as one of the critical issues. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase-I project is on the development of advanced solid-state welding tools for joining high-strength steel alloys that will be used to build fusion reactors. The proposed tool material is a surface-engineered ceramic composite that possesses high fracture toughness while maintaining high hardness. A successfully developed tool will contribute to advancement of technologies that can withstand the high levels of surface heat flux and neutron wall loads expected for the in-vessel components of future fusion energy systems