Preliminary investigation of Li4SiO4 pebbles structural performance

Abstract One of the main purposes a breeder blanket is to remove heat produced in by fusion reaction neutrons, and breed tritium required sustain it. To achieve these requirements, several materials (solid or liquid lithium-bearing ones) have been investigated past decades. date it has not yet possible identify stable material, with high thermal conductivity melting point. This paper deals mechanical characterization lithium orthosilicate (Li4SiO4) form pebbles, at University Pisa room temperature drip casting forming technique, starting from an aqueous suspension Li4SiO4 precursor prepared sol-gel synthesis method. investigate also numerically, means FE code, behaviour, meaningful importance such pebbles. purpose, either static cyclic uniaxial compression tests, without radial constraints, performed on pebbles about 1.5 mm diameter order determine collapse crushing loads stiffness. Moreover, carried-out post-test SEM examination allowed evaluate failure mode crack shapes contact surface. Results show influence elastic properties matrix flaw population load. The method showed strength, value which comparable that obtained process.