HERCULES award will support fusion-related materials research

April 9, 2026 - Carly Bowling

photo: Osman Anderoglu
Osman Anderoglu

Osman Anderoglu, associate professor and interim chair in the Department of Nuclear Engineering, has received a 2026 HERCULES fusion research award from Helion, a Washington-based fusion energy company.

Anderoglu’s project is titled “Ion irradiation and mechanical testing of ARB processed Cu/X (X=Fe, Nb) composites,” and will study mechanical properties of multilayered composites under magnetic fields, as well as changes to microstructure and thermal conductivity after irradiations. The work addresses the stability and reliability of materials used in electromagnetic coil systems operating under extreme conditions.

The award is one of 25 proposals funded by Helion aimed at advancing breakthrough materials, magnet systems, diagnostics, and enabling technologies integral to scaling commercial fusion energy.

The HERCULES program supports research labs and universities in developing materials and technologies that will enable the transition to fusion energy.