Course on Advanced Composite Materials for Fusion
Online course of 300 h in Advanced Composite Materials for Fusion. 6 modules covering ASTM C1793 (guide for SiC/SiC composites in nuclear applications), ASME BPVC Section III, Division 4 (fusion energy devices) and Abaqus. Dedicated tutor and enrolment open.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Identify the families of composite materials that are candidates for fusion components.
Describe the manufacturing processes for SiC/SiC and W/W composites and their limitations.
Analyse the mechanical and thermal behaviour of composites at high temperature.
Explain the mechanisms of neutron irradiation damage in composites.
Evaluate the compatibility of composites with the plasma and coolants.
Apply fusion design codes to justify a component.
Make a reasoned selection of a composite material for a fusion application.
Who it's for
- Composite materials engineer for fusion looking to specialise in Advanced Composite Materials for Fusion.
- Researcher in materials under irradiation looking to specialise in Advanced Composite Materials for Fusion.
- Plasma-facing components engineer looking to specialise in Advanced Composite Materials for Fusion.
- Ceramic composites manufacturing specialist looking to specialise in Advanced Composite Materials for Fusion.
- Structural analysis engineer looking to specialise in Advanced Composite Materials for Fusion.
- Materials characterisation technician looking to specialise in Advanced Composite Materials for Fusion.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into fusion research.
What you'll work with
- ASTM C1793 (guide for SiC/SiC composites in nuclear applications)
- ASME BPVC Section III, Division 4 (fusion energy devices)
- RCC-MRx (design code for research reactors and fusion)
- ASTM C1275 (tensile testing of advanced ceramic composites)
- ASTM C1341 (flexural testing of advanced ceramic composites)
- ASTM E521 (simulation of irradiation damage with charged particles)
- ASTM E693 (displacements per atom in iron and steels)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Requirements for plasma-facing components1.2Thermal, neutron and electromagnetic loads1.3Classification of composites: ceramic and metal matrix1.4SiC, carbon and tungsten fibres1.5SiCf/SiC composites for breeding blankets1.6CFC carbon composites in historical divertors1.7Fibre-reinforced W/W composites1.8Laminates and functionally graded materials1.9The EUROfusion materials roadmap1.10Case study: material selection for a divertor
2.1Chemical vapour infiltration (CVI)2.2Polymer impregnation and pyrolysis (PIP)2.3Melt infiltration of silicon2.4PyC and BN interphase coatings2.5Spark plasma sintering2.6Additive manufacturing of composites2.7Joining composites to metals2.8Porosity and defect control2.9Non-destructive testing: tomography and ultrasound2.10Lab: porosity analysis in tomography images
3.1Micromechanics and rules of mixtures3.2Toughening mechanisms: debonding and fibre pull-out3.3Tensile and flexural testing of composites3.4ASTM C1275 and C1341 standards3.5Thermal conductivity and its degradation3.6Thermal shock and cyclic loads3.7Thermal fatigue in plasma-facing components3.8Finite element modelling3.9Design criteria for ceramic components3.10Practice: calculating the effective properties of a laminate
4.1Displacements per atom and helium production4.2Swelling and amorphisation of SiC4.3Degradation of fibres and interphases4.4Irradiation-induced creep4.5Irradiations in HFIR and test reactors4.6The IFMIF-DONES neutron source4.7Ion irradiation as a surrogate4.8Tritium retention in composites4.9Activation and low-activation materials4.10Case study: irradiation data for SiCf/SiC
5.1Erosion and sputtering5.2Redeposition and tritium co-deposition5.3Compatibility with lithium-lead5.4Corrosion in liquid metals5.5Tritium permeation and barriers5.6Behaviour under transient ELM loads5.7Testing in linear devices such as Magnum-PSI5.8Experience from WEST, JET and ASDEX5.9Component maintenance and replacement5.10Workshop: comparison of first-wall candidates
6.1Defining the component and its loads6.2Design requirements6.3Shortlisting candidate composites6.4Thermal and mechanical analysis6.5Irradiation damage assessment6.6Manufacturing and qualification route6.7Final comparison6.8Summary of results6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable materials, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake period, making it easy to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standards and applied exercises. The software used is Abaqus, ANSYS Mechanical, SRIM/TRIM, COMSOL Multiphysics, Digimat, in free, academic or trial versions. Testing is studied through real procedures from mechanical testing of ceramic composites, ion irradiation in accelerators, thermal shock testing. Assessment is continuous for each module, plus a final capstone project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Identify the families of composite materials that are candidates for fusion components.
Describe the manufacturing processes for SiC/SiC and W/W composites and their limitations.
Analyse the mechanical and thermal behaviour of composites at high temperature.
Explain the mechanisms of neutron irradiation damage in composites.
Evaluate the compatibility of composites with the plasma and coolants.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No previous qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
- A level of English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with Abaqus, ANSYS Mechanical, SRIM/TRIM, COMSOL Multiphysics, Digimat. Free, academic or trial versions are used, and your tutor will point out a free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the capstone project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state-accredited degree.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Check the credit recognition policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Course in Trust and Explainability Regulations in ADAS
Online 300 h course in trust and explainability regulations in ADAS. 6 modules covering Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 (general vehicle safety), UN Regulation No. 171 (DCAS) and…
TRIPOD Methodology Course in Accident Analysis
Online course of 300 h in TRIPOD methodology for accident analysis. 6 modules covering ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety), ISO 31000 (risk management) and BowTieXP.…
Mobile Crane Operation Course
Online 300-hour course in mobile crane operation. 6 modules covering EN 13000 (mobile cranes), ISO 12480-1 (safe use of cranes) and Liebherr Crane Planner 2.0. Assigned…
More in Off-Road, Special Vehicles & Machinery
All Off-Road, Special Vehicles & Machinery programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships