Review of the activity in Russia in the area of fusion nuclear technology

Abstract

The Russian Federation (RF) fusion nuclear technology program is mainly focused on the activities for the preparation of the ITER construction, the development of the DEMO project and the implementation of the DEMO breeding blanket in the ITER test blanket modules (TBM). Approaching the construction of ITER, the activity in Russia is concentrated on preparing Russian industry for the procurement of components in accordance with the ITER agreement. These components include vacuum vessel ports, first wall, divertor private region, limiter and blanket supporting systems. The main directions is the improvement of manufacturing technologies (e.g. industrial production of the materials in needed semi-finished forms, and the optimization of joining technologies) with the goal of reducing construction cost and, increasing reliability and quality. To support this activity and to provide the justification for the design and performance of the ITER in-vessel components, some activity is also ongoing in the area of materials studies, mainly on neutron irradiation effects on copper alloys and joints. Short description of the RF test blanket modules development program strategy, the ongoing R&D activities and the main results obtained so far are also reported. The Russian TBM program is focused on the development of two concepts: the helium-cooled pebble bed and liquid lithium/vanadium. Currently, the main activities are focused on the integration of the DEMO breeding blanket concepts into the design of the ITER test blanket modules.