FUSION MATERIALS

28. FUSION Materials Maximum Phase I Award Amount: $200,000 Maximum Phase II Award Amount: $1,100,000 Accepting SBIR Phase I Applications: YES Accepting STTR Phase I Applications: YES Fusion materials and structures must function for extended lifetimes in a uniquely hostile environment that includes a combination of high temperatures, high stresses, reactive chemicals, and intensely damaging radiation. The goal of this program is to establish the feasibility of designing, constructing and operating a fusion power plant with materials and components that meet demanding objectives for safety, performance, economics, and environmental impact. Grant applications are sought in the following areas: a. Development of Plasma Facing Component Materials Solid plasma facing components (PFCs) are typically comprised of specialized plasma facing materials (typically tungsten or tungsten alloy) joined to either a water-cooled, copper-alloy heat sink or advanced, helium-cooled, refractory heat sink. In this area, research is sought to explore to following: Innovative tungsten based materials having good thermal conductivity, resistance to recrystallization and grain growth, improved mechanical properties (e.g., strength and ductility), and resistance to thermal fatigue Novel coatings or bulk specialized low-Z materials for improved plasma performance Innovative heat sink and component materials which enable enhanced cooling Innovative joining and fabrication methods for PFC manufacturing. Questions Contact: Daniel Clark, daniel.clark@science.doe.gov b. Development of Reduced Activation Ferritic Martensitic (RAFM) Steels Technologies Such techniques could include but are not limited to appropriate welding, hot-isostatic pressing, hydroforming, and investment casting methods, as well as effective post joining heat treatment techniques and procedures, but a focus on joining and fabrication techniques. Appropriate fabrication technologies must produce components within dimensional tolerances, while meeting minimum requirements on mechanical and physical properties. Questions Contact: Daniel Clark, daniel.clark@science.doe.gov c. Development of Advanced Oxide Dispersion Strengthened (ODS) Ferritic Steels and Technologies Approaches of interest include the development of low cost production techniques, improved isotropy of mechanical properties, development of joining and fabrication methods that maintain the properties of the ODS steel, and development of improved ODS steels with increased operating temperatures (up to ~800 C). Questions Contact: Daniel Clark, daniel.clark@science.doe.gov d. Development of Functional Materials for Use in Fusion Reactors Materials applications of high priority include both solid and liquid metal breeder designs, diagnostic systems, and liquid metal PFC systems, including lithium, tin, and gallium PFC concepts. Research is sought to explore: solid and liquid breeder materials; liquid metal materials compatibility issues; tritium control and processing materials (such as permeation barriers or permeable membrane materials); and window materials and hardened electronics for diagnostics. Questions Contact: Daniel Clark, daniel.clark@science.doe.gov e. Other In addition to the specific subtopics listed above, grant applications in other areas relevant to this topic are invited. Questions Contact: Daniel Clark, daniel.clark@science.doe.gov References: 1. Office of Fusion Energy Sciences. Research Needs for Magnetic Fusion Energy Sciences, Report of the Research Needs Workshop (ReNeW). U.S. Department of Energy, p. 412, 2009, https://www.osti.gov/biblio/972502-research-needs-magnetic-fusion-energy-sciences-report-research-needs-workshop-renew-bethesda-maryland-june 2. Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee. Opportunities for Fusion Materials Science and Technology Research now and During the ITER Era. U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, p. 141, 2014, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0920379614001458 3. Office of Fusion Energy Sciences. Fusion Energy Sciences Workshop on Plasma Materials Interactions: Report on Science Challenges and Research Opportunities in Plasma Materials Interactions. U.S. Department of Energy, p. 179, 2015, https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1414414-fusion-energy-sciences-workshop-plasma-materials-interactions-report-science-challenges-research-opportunities-plasma-materials-interactions