Multi-scale modelling of materials for fusion power plants

Body-centred cubic (bcc) transition metal-based alloys are prime candidate materials for structural components of future fusion power plants. The development of a reliable hierarchy of models describing materials under neutron irradiation is an issue of significant importance for the international fusion programme. In this paper, a multi-scale modelling approach is proposed for studying mechanical properties of these types of materials. A specific focus on establishing genetic methods for generating quantum mechanically-based potentials usable for defect modelling in bcc metals, alloys and magnetic materials is presented.