Reduced activation structural materials development for DEMO fusion reactor applications

The proper selection and development of materials is a key to the achievement of the ultimate benefits of fusion as a safe, environmentally attractive and economically competitive energy source. The objective of the US fusion materials program is to develop high performance, reduced activation materials that will enhance the overall safety, environmental and economic features of fusion. The current program on the development of structural materials for DEMO first wall/blanket applications is focused on reduced activation compositions of ferritic/martensitic steels, selected vanadium-based alloys, and SiC/SiC composite materials. Significant progress has been made on the development of the ferritic steels and vanadium alloys, and a program to evaluate the critical feasibility issues for the SiC/SiC composites has been initiated. (author). 11 refs, 4 figs