Prospects for Low-Activity Aluminum Structures

High-purity, low-activity powder metallurgy aluminum alloys can be developed for use in a fusion reactor at 300 to 400°C using helium as a heat transfer medium. Hot water as a coolant may limit aluminum to 200°C. From a heat transfer point of view, based on the dual- or two-temperature design approach, commercial fusion reactor blanket designs appear to be feasible. To meet all of the blanket design requirements feasibility requires quantification of thermal hydraulics, materials, neutronics, and material responses. Also, radiation damage and lifetime analyses are key issues for design qualification. Based on tests performed to date, aluminum appears well suited for experimental fusion reactors operating at wall temperatures below 200°C.