Materials integration issues for high performance fusion power systems

One of the primary requirements for the development of fusion as an energy source is the qualification of materials for the first-wall/blanket system that will provide high performance and exhibit favourable safety and enviro nmental features. Both economic competitiveness and the environmental attra ctiveness of fusion will be strongly influenced by the materials constraint s. A key aspect is the development of a compatible combination of materials for the various functions of structure, tritium breeding, coolant, neutron multiplication and other special requirements for a specific system. This paper presents an overview of key materials integration issues for high per formance fusion power systems. Issues such as: chemical compatibility of st ructure and coolant, hydrogen/tritium interactions with the plasma facing/ structure/breeder materials, thermomechanical constraints associated with c oolant/structure, thermal-hydraulic requirements, and safety/environmental considerations from a systems viewpoint are presented. The major materials interactions for leading blanket concepts are discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.