Researchers simulate helium bubble behavior in fusion reactors

One of the most important challenges for successful commercialization of fusion power is the development of materials that can tolerate the extreme conditions of elevated temperatures and high particle flux of hydrogen isotopes and helium present in fusion reactors. Researchers designing the ITER international fusion reactor plan to use tungsten--one of the toughest materials known. A LANL team performed simulations to understand more fully how tungsten behaves in such harsh conditions, particul...