Irradiation effects in ceramics for fusion reactor applications

A review is given on the status of R&D of ceramics for fusion reactor applications. Emphasis is placed on the engineering design activity of fusion reactor, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, Engineering Design Activities (ITER-EDA) as well as related research of electrical, dielectric and mechanical properties, and fundamental aspects of defects. The paper is based mainly on the presentations and discussion, including a keynote lecture and several short presentations by invited panelists, at the discussion session of `Ceramic Insulators for Fusion Energy Applications' at ICFRM-8, on 30th October 1997 in Sendai, Japan. This report illustrates how the ITER-EDA and other related international activities have functioned not only to coordinate, but also to promote international collaborations and to mobilize the limited research resources effectively. A database which is necessary for reliable design of diagnostic components in ITER is included in the review.