European cryogenic material testing program for ITER coils and intercoil structures

The following materials were characterized for the use in the magnet structures of ITER: 1) Type 316LN cast materials having a modified chemistry used for a Model of the TF (Toroidal Field) outer intercoil structure were investigated with respect to tensile, fracture, fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR), and fatigue life behavior between 7 and 4 K. 2) For Type 316LN 80 mm thick plate used for the TFMC (T_oroidal F_ield M_odel C_oil) structure a complete cryogenic mechanical materials characterization was established. 3) For full size coil case mockups, repair weld properties of 240 mm thick narrow-gap welds were investigated to determine their tensile and fracture behavior. 4) For CSMC (C_enter S_olenoid M_odel C_oil) superconductor jackets, the fatigue lives of orbital butt welds made of Incoloy 908 and Type 316LN (aged and unaged) materials were determined up to one million cycles at 7 K. The results reveal to date that the FCGR of aged Type 316LN is inferior to Incoloy 908 material, whilst the fatigue life properties are comparable. However, for Type 316LN jacket structure considerable improvement of FCGR could be achieved by a solution heat treatment process. In addition, tensile and fatigue life tests performed with a new cryogenic mechanical test facility (630 kN capacity) are presented.