It is said that “He that is master of material, will soon be master of technology.” Also in nuclear fusion research, the development of strong new materials that can withstand the harsh environments is key to realizing the fusion reactor. In this topic, we will deal with vanadium alloy, which we are developing for the fusion reactor. You will process alloy, heat treatment on your own, produce a test piece, and experience the hardness test and the tension test. In addition, you will understand the work hardening and the recovery of metallic materials, and learn the fundamentals of material theory to increase strength.

Scene of a tension test of vanadium alloy for the nuclear fusion reactor