Radiation effects in structural materials for fusion reactors

Neutron irradiation of structural materials in the high-flux regions of a CTR, especially the first wall of the reactor, will result in swelling due to cavity formation and loss of ductility through both lattice hardening and the effect of transmutation-produced helium on the fracture mode. These phenomena are generally expected, although the intensity and relative importance will be a strong function of the material and reactor operating conditions. A consideration of the effects of the 14 MeV D-T fusion neutrons on metals suggests that although the 14 MeV neutrons will produce damage at a higher rate than lower-energy neutrons, there is no basis for anticipation of different forms of damage, except for the differences that are due to the higher rate of transmutation reactions