Fusion Materials Research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Fiscal Year 2018

Achieving fusion energy presents a formidable challenge to the field of materials science, to provide a suite of suitable materials in close integration to the plasma physics and other applied technologies. The technological challenge presented by the conceptual future fusion power systems is the inability of current materials and components to withstand the harsh fusion nuclear environment.The overarching goal of the ORNL fusion materials program is to provide the applied materials science support and materials understanding to underpin the ongoing DOE Office of Science - Fusion Energy Sciences program, in parallel with developing materials for fusion power systems. In this effort the program continues to be integrated both with the larger U.S. and international fusion materials communities and with the international fusion design and technology communities.