Progress in blanket designs using SiCf/SiC composites

Property tailorability for advanced CVI silicon carbide composites for fusion

“…The positive temperature dependence of the post- irradiation thermal conductivity is due to the strong contribution from the defect thermal resistance, in contrast to the negative temperature dependence for the non-irradiated materials. The model prediction suggests that the post-irradiation through-thickness thermal conductivity of 10-15 W/m K is feasible for highheat flux applications at 800-1000 • C, which is the temperature range of primary interest for power reactor design studies [5], when through-thickness fibers are incorporated in CVI SiC-matrix composites. Meanwhile, 2D laminated composites are more appropriate when the through-thickness thermal conductivity <5 W/m K is desired under irradiation at <800 • C, which is of interest for the flow channel insert application [4].…”

“…For high through-thickness heat flux applications such as blanket first walls, thermal stress arising from the temperature gradient across the wall thickness will be a major design issue that limits the operating condition of specific systems [5]. The general resistance of materials to thermal stress is conveniently indexed by a thermal stress figure of merit (M) [17]:…”

Assessment of Silicon Carbide Composites for Advanced Salt-Cooled Reactors

“…The proposed blanket designs in which the use of SiC/SiC composites is assumed are listed in Table 13 and are based on either self-cooled lead-lithium (SCLL) or helium-cooled ceramic breeder (HCCB) concepts [99,101]. Design studies of EU Power Plant Conceptual Study…”

Compatibility of SiC and SiC Composites with Molten Lead

“…These composite materials have good corrosion resistance (in oxygen environments) and have low activation characteristics which make their use in radiation environments attractive. SiC ceramic composites are one of three main candidates for structural materials in various fusion power programs and blanket systems around the world [2,3,4]. In GEN IV reactor systems and other energy conversion applications, the high application temperature of SiC composites allows the use of high temperature coolants (molten metals and salt eutectics) which holds the promise for higher energy conversion efficiency (>50%) [5].…”