Fusion’s neutron hammer: the impact on design
As fusion energy edges closer to commercial reality, a central engineering challenge is emerging: the extreme neutron flux bombarding the inner core of reactors, threatening the longevity of critical components, especially seals, structural materials, and vacuum vessels. For some first-generation reactors like SPARC, this could mean replacing key parts every year. But new designs such as ARC propose alternative solutions, like the FLiBe liquid blankets, to mitigate this issue.
