Joining of machined SiC/SiC composites for thermonuclear fusion reactors

A low-activation glass-ceramic based on silica, alumina and yttria has been designed and tested as joining material for 2D fusion grade SiC/SiC. Neutron-induced radioactivity of elements present in the glass has been simulated by European Activation System EASY-2007 code package. The mechanical strength of the joined SiC/SiC has been tested by 4-point bending on three different kinds of joined samples. Bending strength higher than 120 MPa has been measured at room temperature, with composite failure in most cases. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.