Nuclear fusion reactors could deliver endless power with new alloys

Researchers at the University of Miami, led by mechanical engineer Giacomo Po, are advancing the development of materials critical for nuclear fusion reactors, which promise clean and virtually limitless energy by replicating the Sun’s fusion process. Po’s team uses nanoscale techniques, including focused ion beams and electron microscopy, to study how metal alloys behave under extreme stress, heat, and radiation—conditions typical inside fusion reactors. Current materials like tungsten, though strong and heat-resistant, have limitations, prompting exploration of high-entropy alloys composed of five or more elements in near-equal proportions. These alloys offer enhanced strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability, but their durability under radiation-induced deformation (“irradiation creep”) remains uncertain. To address this, Po’s group combines high-temperature deformation experiments with advanced computer modeling to better understand and predict alloy performance, aiming to improve their resilience in fusion environments. Supported by U.S. Department of Energy and National Science Foundation grants, their work contributes to a global collaborative effort involving multiple