A study of the prospects for development of a new low activity austenitic stainless steel for fusion applications

The properties of three austenitic stainless steels (AISI316L, AMCR0033 and VA64) are examined from a fusion point of view, and a new composition for a low-activity austenitic stainless steel is suggested. Some important properties of the three alloys are compared; some outstanding properties of the age-hardenable high-Mn stainless steel VA64 are stressed. Induced radioactivity in the three alloys for various times after shutdown is calculated; as far as long-term radioactivity is concerned, VA64 suffers its relatively high Mo and Nb content. Elemental substitutions on VA64 are examined, and a new composition, giving a low-activity version of VA64, is suggested. Effects of elemental substitution on the properties of VA64 are predicted; the new alloy is a possible good candidate first wall material for fusion reactors.