| 20.09.2011 11:55 |    |
On assignment of the Nuclear Research and consultancy Group (NRG), the Energy research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN) is developing an extreme thermo-shock proof material for nuclear fusion applications.
Can tungsten perform optimally under extreme heat load conditions, without losing any of the material’s good characteristics? The answer is yes. ECN Engineering & Services has developed an injection moulding technology process for the production of tungsten; a powder metallurgic variant that shows superior characteristics under extreme heating load conditions. The material is Yttria doped. Testing at an absorbed capacity of 1.13 GW/m2 during 1000 cycles of 1 ms does not lead to any cracking, contrary to conventional materials. Particularly the ductility, the fatigue resistance and the hardness of the material have been optimised.
This material is especially developed for nuclear fusion application, but is also highly suited for other applications involving high temperature and shielding.
The unique characteristics of the obtained material are largely determined by the use of the injection moulding technology. The material is very homogenous and shows a fine microstructure that is similar in three dimensions, contrary to the directional dependence of conventional materials. The material therefore shows no signs of recrystallisation between 1200 and 1440°C, but remains stable up till well above 2000°C.
The technology is highly suited for a wide range of doping applications and for developing alloys, both of which are key for developing new materials.
The injection moulding technology process offers unlimited freedom of shaping, which prevents the need for machining dressing. For tungsten this is highly relevant, both for cost and performance reasons.
Problem solver pur sang
Engineering and Services is the technical support and development group of ECN. The group designs, realises and instruments experimental installations, prototypes and high-tech components. The group offers its support not only to ECN, but also to other innovative organisations and businesses. E&S is the problem solver pur sang for technology that opens up new horizons.
For more information please contact:
Contact person: Jan Opschoor
+31 (0) 224-564661
Rome, 7-8 October 2013
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