Compatibility of EUROFER97 and lead–lithium eutectic

Information as concerning the compatibility of EUROFER97, or other martensitic steels, and liquid lead–lithium eutectic is collected and evaluated. The best part addresses dissolution caused by the liquid metal, whereas data on the effect on characteristic mechanical properties of the steel are scarce, and even scarcer for the simultaneous influence of neutron irradiation. The latter must be taken into account for application to thermonuclear fusion, as well as, in case of magnetic confinement of the fusion fuel, the acceleration of EUROFER dissolution in the presence of a magnetic field. A degradation of mechanical properties of the steel caused by the liquid metal manifests itself in a loss of ductility, which requires an incubation period just as the dissolution process in the absence of a mechanical load on the material. As a basis for discussing the dissolution phenomena observed, data on the solubility and diffusivity of the major elements in EUROFER is reviewed and dissolution theory briefly repeated.