Scientists at the University of Huddersfield, UK, have been carrying out experiments that could aid the development of nuclear fusion reactors. By simulating the damage caused by high-energy neutrons and alpha particles produced during the fusion process, the Huddersfield researchers have discovered that tungsten - a favoured choice of metal within the reactor as it has desirable properties of extreme hardness and exceptionally high melting temperature - is liable to become brittle, leading to failure.
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