Swelling of SiC and its helium effects for expected operating conditions based on some blanket designs using SiC materials

Ozawa, Kazumi; Nozawa, Takashi; Uto, Hiroyasu; Someya, Yoji; Tanigawa, Hiroyasu; Tobita, Kenji

A silicon carbide fiber-reinforced silicon carbide matrix (SiC/SiC) composite is a promising candidate material for the advanced fusion DEMO blanket. Two options are considered for the use of the composites in the DEMO design: materials functionally used such as a flow channel insert in Pb-Li liquid cooling system, and ones used as a part of structural components. This paper primarily aims (1) to show examples of Japanese blanket concepts, such as SlimCS and VECTOR, which SiC materials are considered to be used, comparing with other US or EU designs, and (2) to summarize/organize the neutron/ion irradiated swelling data currently obtained for the target temperature ranges of mainly 700C for functional use and 1000C for structural, with a strong emphasis on the effects of helium on swelling of SiC.