Research database

1 MeV neutrons which are generated by deuterium-tritium reaction in a fusion reactor. The aim of our FIRE Collaborative is to fill all these gaps, develop a robust understanding of neutron irradiation damage, and custom design tapes with superior resilience. Compact fusion reactor designs are predicated by minimization of reactor volume and shielding volume, both of which exacerbates the intensity of neutron radiation damage on the superconducting magnet. So, there is an imminent need to understand radiation damage and develop radiation-resilient REBCO tapes for fusion. If the fluence threshold before Ic degradation can be increased 3.3x to 1 * 1023 n/m2, the magnet lifetime can be extended to 30 years, the lifetime of conventional energy sources that fusion is seeking to replace. This research is aligned with the key elements of the Bold Decadal Vision for the U.S. Department of Energy, Fusion Energy Sciences: The research will bridge R&D gaps and support domestic supply chains for fusion energy. It will help develop transformational science through advanced REBCO conductors designed for fusion, beyond the capability of legacy conductors produced in industry. Most importantly, this research will address a tremendous demand for scientists and engineers trained in REBCO tape processing and equipment technology, essential for domestic large-scale manufacturing. In that regard, this research will meet the objective to establish advanced manufacturing readiness of materials and components for fusion on a path toward energy dominance in the US.