Design and material issues for high performance SiC_f/SiC-based fusion power cores

The SiC_f/SiC composite is a promising structural material candidate for fusion power cores and has been considered internationally in several power plant studies. It offers safety advantages arising from its low induced radioactivity and afterheat, and the possibility of high performance through high temperature operation. However, its behavior and performance at high temperatures and under irradiation are still not well known and need to be better characterized. This paper summarizes the current SiC_f/SiC design and R&D status. The latest SiC_f/SiC-based power core design studies are summarized, and the key SiC_f/SiC parameters affecting the performance of power core components are highlighted. The current status of the material R&D is discussed, with the focus on fabrication and joining, baseline properties and properties under irradiation, as well as the desirable evolution of these properties. In the light of this, the R&D plans are summarized and assessed. Finally, to help present-day design studies and in the expectation of future confirmatory R&D results, recommendations are provided on SiC_f/SiC parameters and properties to be assumed for present design analysis of long term SiC_f/SiC-based power plants.