Characterization of innovative materials for fusion applications

Nuclear fusion represents one of the most ambitious promises for clean and sustainable energy production, with projects like ITER and DEMO aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale fusion reactors. Within the European context, EUROfusion plays a crucial role in coordinating and supporting research on advanced materials necessary to withstand the extreme conditions inside fusion reactors. This thesis is part of the EUROfusion project and focuses specifically on the characterization of CuCrZr alloy, a key material whose thermal and mechanical properties make it well-suited for structural components, such as heat sink materials in high heat flux components. The mechanical and thermo-mechanical characterization of CuCrZr is crucial to ensure its resilience under the high temperatures and stresses typical of a fusion environment. This analysis includes determining key properties such as Young’s modulus, shear modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and the coefficient of thermal expansion These parameters provide insight into the material's capacity to retain structural integrity, supporting predictions of its behavior under operational conditions and contributing to the design and safety of future fusion reactors. Additionally, advanced tensile testing—including precise measurements of diameter in the necking region and calculations of the radius of curvature during deformation—offers a deeper understanding of CuCrZr's performance under stress.