Blanket materials for DT fusion reactors

This paper presents an overview of the critical materials issues that must be considered in the development of a tritium breeding blanket for a tokamak fusion reactor that operates on the D-T-Li fuel cycle. The primary requirements of the blanket system are identified and the important criteria that must be considered in the development of blanket technology are summarized. The candidate materials are listed for the different blanket components, e.g., breeder, coolant, structure, and neutron multiplier. Three blanket concepts appear to offer the most potential: (1) liquid metal breeder/coolant, (2) liquid metal breeder with separate coolant, and (3) solid breeder with separate cooland. The major uncertainties associated with each of the design concepts are discussed and the key materials R and D requirements for each concept are identified. (orig.)