Bupe Kunda

My research project focuses on developing titanium-based high entropy alloys (HEAs) for nuclear fusion applications. The primary objective is to produce a body-centered cubic (BCC) single-phase alloy strengthened through solid solution mechanisms. 

To achieve this, I will prepare four Ti alloy compositions with varying elemental ratios, which will be arc-melted and subsequently solution heat-treated. Following heat treatment, selected samples will undergo long-term aging to assess thermal stability. I will then characterize the resulting alloys using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to analyze their microstructure and phase composition, while hardness indentation testing will assess their mechanical properties. 

This research contributes to the development of advanced materials for nuclear fusion reactors that exhibit low neutron activation and decay to low-level radioactive waste within 100 years, addressing critical challenges in sustainable fusion energy.