Radiation Resistant Joining Methods for Structural Applications in Fusion Energy Systems

198 Radiation Resistant Joining Methods for Structural Applications in Fusion Energy Systems--Starfire Systems, Inc., 877 25th Street, Watervliet, NY 12189-1903; 518-276-2112 Dr. Walter Sherwood, Principal Investigator Dr. Walter Sherwood, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-97ER82482 Amount: $74,937 Practical applications of magnetic fusion energy will require the development of structural materials that can withstand the radiation temperature and magnetic environments expected in fusion systems. One of the leading candidate materials is silicon carbide (SiC) composites. However, the joining of SiC composites is a major challenge to withstand the fusion environment. The project will develop and produce materials and joints that are radiation resistant, have high strengths, and are thermally stable at the expected service temperatures. A liquid, high yield, pure stoichiometric silicon carbide (SiC) polymer precursor will be used to manufacture and join SiC based ceramic composites for potential fusion applications. In Phase I, a combination of the polymer, chopped fibers (Hi-Nicalon and Sylramic), and low-activating or low absorption metallic powders such as silicon will be used to produce high strength joints between SiC ceramic matrix composite materials made by both polymer infiltration and pyrolysis and chemical vapor infiltration. A newly developed, filmless, x-ray based, non-destructive testing technique will be utilized to evaluate the joints. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The capability to join structural components for fusion reactor systems; improved capability to fabricate high efficiency, high temperature heat exchangers for both fusion and fossil energy applications; and the ability to join simple shapes made by processes such as hot pressing into useable parts. An additional benefit would be the densification of the somewhat porous chemical vapor infiltrated composites during the joining steps.