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Developing power plant materials using the life cycle lens.
Amanda Quadling1, David Bowden1, Chris Hardie1
1Materials Division, UK Atomic Energy Authority, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 3DB, UK.
The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) requires advanced materials to withstand extreme conditions. Research focuses on reduced activation and high-fluence resilience for sustainable fusion energy.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Engineering
- Materials Science
- Fusion Energy Research
Background:
- The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) faces unprecedented magnetic, thermal, mechanical, and environmental loads.
- In-vessel materials in STEP will experience extreme neutron peak dose rates (10^-6 displacements per atom per second).
Purpose of the Study:
- To define a materials strategy for the STEP Programme focused on reduced activation and high-fluence resilience.
- To cover the full materials lifecycle, including composition selection, microstructural development, modeling, and end-of-life strategies.
Main Methods:
- Materials downselection oriented within plant power trade-off space.
- Development of advanced ferritic-martensitic structural steel.
- Application of 'Design by Fundamentals' mesoscale modeling approach.
- Investigation of waste mitigation routes for sustainable operations.
Main Results:
- A materials strategy prioritizing reduced activation and high-fluence resilience has been established.
- An advanced ferritic-martensitic steel is under development.
- Mesoscale modeling provides a fundamental design approach.
- Potential waste mitigation strategies are identified.
Conclusions:
- The materials strategy is crucial for the success of the STEP Programme.
- Advanced materials and modeling are key to achieving sustainable fusion energy.
- Addressing the full materials lifecycle ensures operational viability and sustainability.

