Design and material issues for high performance SiCf/SiC-based fusion power cores

The SiCf/SiC composite is a promising structural material candidate for fus ion power cores and has been considered internationally in several power pl ant studies. It offers safety advantages arising from its low induced radio activity and afterheat, and the possibility of high performance through hig h temperature operation. However, its behavior and performance at high temp eratures and under irradiation are still not well known and need to be bett er characterized. This paper summarizes the current SiCf/SiC design and R&D status. The latest SiCf/SiC-based power core design studies are summarized , and the key SiCf/SiC parameters affecting the performance of power core c omponents are highlighted. The current status of the material R&D is discus sed, with the focus on fabrication and joining, baseline properties and pro perties under irradiation, as well as the desirable evolution of these prop erties. In the light of this, the R&D plans are summarized and assessed. Fi nally, to help present-day design studies and in the expectation of future confirmatory R&D results, recommendations are provided on SiCf/SiC paramete rs and properties to be assumed for present design analysis of long term Si Cf/SiC-based power plants. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserv ed.