Submission + - SPAM: A Helium-Resistant Material Could Finally Usher in The Age of Nuclear Fusion
schwit1 writes: A collaboration of engineers and researchers has found a way to prevent helium, a byproduct of the fusion reaction, from weakening nuclear fusion reactors.
The secret is in building the reactors using nanocomposite solids that create channels through which the helium can escape.
Not only does the fusion process expose reactors to extreme pressure and temperatures, helium — the byproduct of fusion between hydrogen atoms — adds to the strain placed on reactors by bubbling out into the materials and eventually weakening them.
"Literally, you get these helium bubbles inside of the metal that stay there forever because the metal is solid," Michael Demkowicz, Texas A&M materials science and engineering associate professor, said in a press release.
"As you accumulate more and more helium, the bubbles start to link up and destroy the entire material."
In a study published in the journal Science Advances, the researchers overview how they tested the behavior of helium in nanocomposite solids, materials made from thick metal layer stacks. They found that the helium didn't form bubbles in these nanocomposite solids like it did in traditionally used materials. Instead, it formed long, vein-like tunnels.
Link to Original Source
The secret is in building the reactors using nanocomposite solids that create channels through which the helium can escape.
Not only does the fusion process expose reactors to extreme pressure and temperatures, helium — the byproduct of fusion between hydrogen atoms — adds to the strain placed on reactors by bubbling out into the materials and eventually weakening them.
"Literally, you get these helium bubbles inside of the metal that stay there forever because the metal is solid," Michael Demkowicz, Texas A&M materials science and engineering associate professor, said in a press release.
"As you accumulate more and more helium, the bubbles start to link up and destroy the entire material."
In a study published in the journal Science Advances, the researchers overview how they tested the behavior of helium in nanocomposite solids, materials made from thick metal layer stacks. They found that the helium didn't form bubbles in these nanocomposite solids like it did in traditionally used materials. Instead, it formed long, vein-like tunnels.
Link to Original Source
