Structural materials joints for ITER in-vessel components

316LN stainless steel (SS) and Glidcop AL-25 (DS-Cu) are primary candidates as structural materials for international thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER) in-vessel components. Their joining is currently being studied at CEA/CEREM. This paper summarises recent progress on structural materials joining using a solid hot isostatic pressing (HIP) technique. The properties of the materials used and the effect of HIP cycles on the metallurgical quality of the SS are reported. A new specification for the DS-Cu is proposed. Different materials and surfaces preparation, the use of interlayers and different HIP conditions are presented and analysed in relation to the mechanical properties of the joints. Characterisation of the bi-metallic joints such as SS/DS-Cu is discussed and further developments with various mode loadings are briefly reported. Some preliminary modelling results regarding stress/strain distribution arising from manufacturing and thermal load conditions are presented. A visco-plastic material database is currently being developed for that purpose. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.