Abstract
The process of developing materials for use in energy-conversion machines based upon fission or fusion reactors is critically dependent upon subjecting those materials to the thermal and neutronic environment that reproduces, as closely as possible, that expected in a power-producing reactor. Materials scientists make use of sophisticated capsule-type irradiation experiments to place test specimens in various fission reactors to achieve that desired environment. Neutron radiation damage and typical experimental devices are discussed in terms of three major US fission and fusion reactor programs.
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