Ponente
Descripción
Future fusion power systems will expose materials to some of the harshest operating conditions ever considered in nuclear engineering, combining intense neutron irradiation, helium production, thermal cycling, high temperatures, and chemically aggressive environments. While fusion introduces unique challenges, many of the underlying degradation mechanisms and qualification needs are closely connected to those already faced in advanced fission systems. This creates a strong opportunity for deeper collaboration between fusion and fission materials communities. This contribution discusses how shared approaches to materials qualification can help accelerate the deployment of both future fusion reactors and advanced nuclear systems. In particular, it highlights recent efforts within European collaborative initiatives such as CONNECT-NM to develop integrated methodologies for the qualification of materials under extreme environments. Key topics include the development of structured experimental test-beds, accelerated screening and qualification routes, and multi-scale experimental platforms capable of reproducing complex irradiation and thermo-mechanical conditions. The role of major irradiation infrastructures, especially IFMIF-DONES, is discussed in the context of bridging the gap between laboratory materials development and reactor-relevant qualification. The contribution also explores emerging approaches for materials health monitoring based on advanced non-destructive examination and testing techniques, combined with physics-based modelling, data-driven methods, and AI-assisted analysis. These digital approaches, together with interoperable “smart” databases for nuclear materials, can support more predictive and adaptive qualification strategies for both fusion and fission applications. Overall, the presentation aims to highlight how fusion–fission synergies can significantly shorten qualification timelines, improve confidence in materials performance, and strengthen the scientific foundations needed for the next generation of nuclear energy systems.
