Implementation of Hardware Diagnostics from Within the Lunux Operating System

65295 The next phase of the fusion energy program will require a ¿first wall¿ made of a neutron transparent material that has the strength and thermal characteristics to withstand the vigorous environment generated by the plasma. The SiCf/SiCm composite would be a candidate material if the separate portions of the overall structure could be joined to form the complete design. This project will develop the technology, methods, and materials to join the SiCf/SiCm composites, with joint properties comparable to those of the wall material. New advanced higher temperature SiC fibers will be used to form ceramic matrix composites via the polymer impregnation and polymerization (PIP) method. A microwave beam forming system will be constructed, and in-situ¿ joining will be performed on model structures. In Phase I, sections of SiC woven fabric will be made using a PIP process to form coupons for joining. Using microwave hybrid heating and a proprietary joining material, larger coupons will be formed for test. Thermal and mechanical tests will be performed to ensure heat transfer and strength requirements will be met. Preliminary designs for a microwave beam heating system, to be fabricated and used in Phase II, will be completed Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by awardee: The technology should decrease the costs of fabricating SiCf/SiCm composites for many applications. In particular, the next generation fusion reactor should benefit significantly from a technology that can be used to fabricate and repair at the site. Additionally, this technology should have application in making other SiC based components for the hot zones of gas turbines, the leading edges of wings and nose structures of advanced aircraft and missiles, high temperature heat exchangers, and radiant burner tubes