Project description
Radiation-tolerant materials, safe materials and machine learning for fusion
Understanding the behaviour of materials under extreme fusion reactor conditions is essential for advancing fusion energy as a clean power source. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the RADFUSION project investigates fundamental mechanisms governing tungsten-chromium alloy performance through an integrated approach combining quantum mechanical modelling frameworks, machine learning algorithms and advanced irradiation experiments. The study systematically compares these next-generation materials with ITER-grade pure tungsten under fusion-relevant conditions, analysing their response to extreme conditions. Key innovations include quantum-based computational simulations to predict atomic-scale phenomena, machine learning models for understanding long-term degradation pathways. RADFUSION offers key scientific insights into radiation damage and plasma-material interactions for selecting robust, accident-tolerant materials for ITER, DEMO and future fusion reactors.
Objective
This study addresses critical knowledge gaps in tungsten-chromium (W-Cr) alloy behaviour under fusion-relevant conditions. As fusion energy progresses,developing materials for extreme reactor environments is crucial. This research conducts a comprehensive comparison of W-Cr alloys and ITER-grade tungsten, focusing on their response to simultaneous radiation damage and plasma-material interactions. Using advanced experimental techniques and computational modelling, the study quantifies radiation effects,characterises plasma exposure effects, and evaluates their combined impacts. A key innovation is the development of machine learning models to predict long-term material behaviour and usage of neural networks in image analysis. By benchmarking W-Cr alloys against pure tungsten and creating predictive models this project provides crucial insights for future fusion reactor design. Aligning with key research missions on neutron tolerance and safety, this project integrates cutting-edge materials science with fusion technology development, aiming to accelerate progress towards sustainable, carbon-free fusion energy.
The project's multidisciplinary approach combines radiation physics, plasma science, and advanced materials characterization techniques. The findings will not only advance our understanding of W-Cr alloys but also contribute to the broader field of extreme environment materials, potentially impacting other areas of energy research and industrial applications. By addressing key challenges in fusion reactor materials, this project plays a vital role in the global effort to develop clean, sustainable energy solutions for the future.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
B15 2TT Birmingham
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.