Performance limits for fusion first-wall structural materials

Key features of fusion energy relate primarily to potential advantages asso ciated with safety and environmental considerations and the near endless su pply of fuel. However, high-performance fusion power systems will be requir ed in order to be an economically competitive energy option. As in most ene rgy systems, the operating limits of structural materials pose a primary co nstraint to the performance of fusion power systems. In the case of fusion power, the first-wall/blanket system will have a dominant impact on both ec onomic and safety/environmental attractiveness. This paper presents an asse ssment of the influence of key candidate structural material properties on performance limits for fusion first-wall blanket applications. Key issues a ssociated with interactions of the structural materials with the candidate coolant/breeder materials are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.