Vanadium alloys for fusion reactor applications

Abstract

Fusion reactors will produce a severe operating environment for structural materials. The material should have good mechanical strength and ductility to high temperature, be corrosion resistant to the local environment, have attractive thermophysical properties to accommodate high heat loads, and be resistant to neutron damage. Vanadium alloys are being developed for such applications, and they exhibit desirable properties in many areas. Recent progress in vanadium alloy development indicates good strength and ductility to 700°C, minimal degradation by neutron irradiation, and reduced radioactivity compared with other candidate alloy systems.