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Fusion energy: Progress, partnerships, and the path to deployment
Over the past decade, fusion energy has moved decisively from scientific aspiration toward a credible pathway to a new energy technology. Thanks to long-term federal support, we have significantly advanced our fundamental understanding of plasma physics—the behavior of the superheated gases at the heart of fusion devices. This knowledge will enable the creation and control of fusion fuel under conditions required for future power plants. Our progress is exemplified by breakthroughs at the National Ignition Facility and the Joint European Torus.
Takuya Nagasaka, Martin L. Grossbeck, Takeo Muroga, James F. King
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 39 | Number 2 | March 2001 | Pages 664-668
Fusion Materials | doi.org/10.13182/FST01-A11963315
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Charpy impact tests of Japanese and US reference V-4Cr-4Ti alloys, NIFS-HEAT-1 (180 wppm oxygen) and US832665 (310 wppm Oxygen), were examined after gas-tungsten-arc (GTA) welding in a purified argon atmosphere. To investigate the effects of further reduction of oxygen level in the fusion zone, filler wires made of HP (high-purity V-4Cr-4Ti, 36 wppm oxygen) were used as well as those made of the reference alloys. Charpy impact property of NIFS-HEAT-1 in as-GTA-welded condition was superior to that of US832665. Use of the high-purity filler wires improved the impact property further. Good correlation was obtained between ductile-brittle-transition temperature (DBTT) and the oxygen level in the fusion zone. Since oxygen contamination from the atmosphere is avoidable by controlling its impurity level, oxygen reduction in weld materials, such as plate and wire, is crucial to obtain good weldability. Only contamination element detected in this study was hydrogen. Contamination occurred not only in fusion zone but also in base metal. Degassing of hydrogen after the welding may improve the impact property further.