Uses of zirconium alloys in fusion applications

Calculations are presented showing the generation of hydrogen and helium gas and cascade damage (expressed in displacements per atom) for zirconium alloys. After a typical first wall exposure of five years, the hydrogen content of a Zr-alloy increases by a factor of ∼1.5 over that initially present, suggesting that hydrogen embrittlement is unlikely to be a life-limiting factor. Structural analyses of a typical first wall using zirconium alloy indicate that Zr-alloys may have satisfactory properties, and should be reconsidered for use in fusion applications.