In some applications, like the blanket structure of a fusion energy device. Heat is generated internally due to neutron interaction with materials. However, it is desirable to “contain” this heat and not let it diffuse entirely to the surrounding structure, which can be made from a lower temperature metallic alloy. In this project, DMS and Ultramet have developed and successfully tested flow channel inserts (FCI) units, made of a sandwich structure that is highly insulating to heat, but is structurally reliable. FCI units were designed by DMS and manufactured by Ultramet in which a thick layer of sic foam is sandwiched in between two solid layers if sic, as can be seen in the figures.
Digital Materials Solutions 