A team of engineers from the University of Surrey, in collaboration with UKAEA, the National Physical Laboratory and the company TESCAN, has succeeded in mapping with high precision critical areas in a type of steel widely considered for future nuclear fusion plants.
The future of nuclear fusion plants and PFIB-DIC technology
The technique used is focused on the analysis of the effects of residual stress. residual stress effectsThe technique employed is focused on the analysis of the effects of residual stress on welded components made of P91 steel, a material known for its heat resistance and its potential use in next-generation reactors.
This study is based on a methodology that integrates plasma ion beam and digital image correlation techniques, known as PFIB-DIC. This makes it possible to observe internal deformations in welds of just a few microns, inaccessible with the use of other technologies.
By identifying this breakthrough, the researchers demonstrated how some areas stiffen from accumulated stress while others weaken, directly affecting structural integrity.
For example, the average operating temperature of a fusion reactor can reach 550 °C, where P91 steel experienced a more than 30 % reduction in mechanical strength. This poses challenges in the design of welded components for highly demanding designs. After identifying these structural weaknesses, it allows to anticipate failures and improve the design of safe and efficient fusion reactors.
The information obtained feeds finite element simulation and machine learning algorithms, which represents a breakthrough for projects such as the UK’s STEP program and the EU’s DEMO experimental plant.
TESCAN ‘s participation has been important to achieve high precision micro-engineering through its FIB-SEM systems, tools that open new possibilities in the inspection of metallic components for extreme environments. This collaboration with the University of Surrey highlights the importance of advanced characterization for the nuclear energy sector.
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Source and photo: University of Surrey
