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Joining Plasma Resistant Lanthana Doped W and CuCrZr Alloy Heat Sinks for Use in Nuclear Fusion Applications

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-09ER85521
Agency Tracking Number: 91464
Amount: $99,918.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 55 a
Solicitation Number: DE-PS02-08ER08-34
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2008
Award Year: 2009
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
133 Defense Highway Suite 212
Annapolis, MD 21401
United States
DUNS: 153908801
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: Yes
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Keith Rozenburg
 Dr.
 (410) 987-1656
 krozenburg@techassess.com
Business Contact
 Sharon Fehrenbacher
Title: Dr.
Phone: (410) 224-3710
Email: sharon@techassess.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

In the ITER, an international fusion experiment, a magnetically confined cloud of super hot plasma maintains the fusion of tritium and dueterium. The water-cooled diverter cartridge, which removes the charged species generated by the fusion reaction, experiences a harsh environment of rapidly fluctuating temperature. In this environment, the joint between the tungsten plasma facing material on the diverter and the water-cooled CuCrZr alloy heat sink is subject to thermal fatigue cracking. The reliability of these joints is critical to the success of the ITER project, because (1) an efficient fusion process requires the reactor to operate continuously over large periods of time, and (2) inspection of the diverter components would require weeks of down time. This project will develop technology for thermal-fatigue-resistant joints. Phase I will take advantage of recent advancements in powder metallurgy technology to create structurally optimized joints using copper tungsten nano-powders. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee The manufacturing techniques explored in this program would be applicable to many similar high energy situations, such as in super-critical steam-based power generation, vehicle armor systems, and next generation brake pads.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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