Development of Cryogenic Structural Steels for Magnetic Confinement Fusion

Le résumé fourni par la source

With the growth in global energy demand and increasing concern over the environmental issues associated with fossil fuels, magnetic confinement fusion (MCF) has gained widespread attention as a clean and sustainable energy solution. The superconducting magnet systems in MCF devices operate under liquid helium temperature of 4.2 K and strong magnetic fields, requiring structural materials to possess exceptional high strength, high toughness, and non-magnetic properties. This paper reviews recent research advances in cryogenic high-strength and high-toughness austenitic stainless steels (ASSs) for MCF devices, focusing on modified grades like 316LN and JK2LB used in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, as well as China’s CHN01 steel developed for the China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR) project. The mechanical properties at 4.2 K (including yield strength (Rp0.2), fracture toughness (K(J)Ic), and Elongation (e)), microstructural evolutions, weldability, and manufacturing challenges of these materials are systematically analyzed. Finally, the different technical approaches and achievements in material development among Japan, the United States, and China are compared, the current limitations of these materials in terms of weld integrity and manufacturability are discussed, and future research directions are outlined.

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