THE MAGAZINE DEVOTED TO NICKEL AND ITS APPLICATIONS
December 2008
Volume 24, Number 1
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Nickel-containing materials selected for components of fusion test reactor
Nickel Magazine, December 2008 -- ITER, a joint international research and
development project backed by seven partners (the U.S., E.U., Russia, China, Japan, India and South Korea),
is planning to build a reactor in Cadarache, France. Known as the International Thermonuclear Experimental
Reactor, it will test the concept of harnessing fusion energy to generate electricity.
This monumental experiment, estimated to cost 6.2 billion Euros, will have profound implications for
society.
The key challenge for ITER is selecting combinations of materials that are suitable for plasma facing,
heat sink and support structures.
The nickel-containing materials currently selected are as follows:
Structural Components:
- 316L(N)-IG has been selected for the vacuum vessel and ports, owing to its high minimum tensile
mechanical properties (combined with good toughness). It will be used in the blanket shield modules,
thin-walled tubes for first wall, cooling manifolds, and diverter body. This steel has adequate mechanical
properties, good resistance to corrosion, weldability, and potential for forging and casting. It is
industrially available in different forms and can be manufactured by well-established techniques.
- S30400
for the vacuum vessel ports
- S30464
(1.1% boron) and S30467 (2% boron) for neutron shielding (both of these grades contain more nickel than
standard S30400 to ensure there is no ferrite in the steel)
Functional Components:
- S66286
(A-286) and S31600 for fastening components.
- S20910
(XM-19) for the diverter support.
- N07718
(Alloy 718) for bolts and diverter connections.
- N06625
(Alloy 625) for the blanket attachments.
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