Neutron irradiation effects on plasma facing materials

This paper reviews the effects of neutron irradiation on thermal and mechan ical properties and bulk tritium retention of armour materials (beryllium, tungsten and carbon). For each material, the main properties affected by ne utron irradiation are described and the specific tests of neutron irradiate d armour materials under thermal shock and disruption conditions are summar ized. Based on current knowledge, the expected thermal and structural perfo rmance of neutron irradiated armour materials in the ITER plasma facing com ponents are analysed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.