- UKAEA teams up with Siemens Energy to test the structural integrity of novel oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) steels
- Advanced steel testing technology supports UKAEA’s research and development in validation of cutting-edge materials for future fusion power plants
- Partnership between scientists and industry demonstrates UK’s growing fusion industry capabilities
- Results will help develop commercially viable fusion energy technology such as STEP Fusion in North Nottinghamshire
Specialist steels have been tested in a project between the two organisations, made possible through a northern network of fusion-focused collaborators.
Developing structural materials able to withstand extreme temperatures and high neutron loads is one of the major challenges for developing future fusion power plants.
The project aimed to test the structural integrity of novel oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) steels. This material was chosen for testing due to its high density and enhanced high-temperature strength and creep resistance, in comparison to conventional steels used in fusion and fission environments. The steel samples were tested for fracture toughness and material resistance, to determine their potential in-service performance for consideration in future power plant design.
UKAEA provided design and technical expertise to the project on sub-sized samples commonly used in fusion research and development. Siemens Energy used sophisticated testing equipment, typically used for conventional power generation such as gas turbines, to test the fusion-grade steels.
The collaborative project successfully determined the fracture toughness of ODS steels, which will help inform how to optimise the balance between material strength and plasticity for fusion power plant components.
UKAEA will use the data gained from its work with Siemens Energy, along with further materials testing, to help inform the design of future power plants.
Slava Kuksenko, Materials Scientist at UKAEA, led the project:
The outcome of the project with Siemens Energy has given us a clearer understanding of which materials will perform best inside future fusion power plants, exploring high strength materials with acceptable fracture resistance. The team really enjoyed the experience of working with Siemens Energy and look forward to potential further collaboration.
Matt Stephenson, Head of UKAEA’s Fusion Technology Facility (FTF), co-ordinated the collaboration for Lincolnshire-based Siemens Energy:
The FTF team has worked very hard over the past three years to build up a northern network of fusion collaborators. Working with Siemens Energy through the University of Lincoln’s Centre of Doctoral Training for Future Power and Propulsion, coupled with the company’s proximity to the STEP Fusion site, the ODS steels testing project was a perfect fit. As an energy industry innovator, this project was a fantastic opportunity to introduce UKAEA to Siemens Energy’s sustainable energy portfolio to enhance our materials research with world-leading expertise.
Amy Gandy, Head of the Materials Science and Engineering Programme at UKAEA praised the project:
The ODS steels testing project with Siemens Energy supports UKAEA’s research into developing suitable power plant components whilst building the capabilities needed to deliver the STEP Fusion programme.
More about the project
This project was funded by the Fusion Futures Industry Capability programme, an initiative building UK supply chain capacity and capability for fusion energy. The programme fosters industrial partnerships, developing national capability to enhance the UK’s position as a world leader in sustainable fusion technology.
UKAEA’s Fusion Technology Facility (FTF) in South Yorkshire established the ODS steels project. Based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, FTF is the organisation’s northern hub which builds links with local industry in the heart of the UK’s steel and manufacturing industries to support UKAEA research.
FTF is focused on developing the regional supply chain to provide expertise and technologies that will benefit STEP Fusion, the UK’s first prototype fusion power plant based in West Burton, North Nottinghamshire. STEP Fusion is targeting first operations in 2040.
