The need for alternate energy sources has led to the develop ment of prototype fusion and MHD reactors. Both possible energy systems in current designs usually require the use of magnetic fields for plasma confinement and concentration. For the creation and maintenance of large 5 to 15 tesla magnetic fields, supercon ducting magnets appear more economical. But the high magnetic fields create large forces, and the complexities of the conceptual reactors create severe space restrictions. The combination of re quirements, plus the desire to keep construction costs at a mini mum, has created a need for stronger structural alloys for service at liquid helium temperature (4 K). The complexity of the required structures requires that these alloys be weldable. Furthermore, since the plasma is influenced by magnetic fields and since magnet ic forces from the use of ferromagnetic materials in many configur ations may be additive, the best structural alloy for most applica tions should be nonmagnetic. These requirements have led to consideration of higher strength austenitic steels. Strength increases at low temperatures are achieved by the addition of nitrogen. The stability of the austenitic structure is retained by adding manganese instead of nickel, which is more expensive. Research to develop these higher strength austenitic steels is in process, primarily in Japan and the United States.

The 1995 International Cryogenic Materials Conference (lCMC) was held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, in conjunction with the Cryogenic Engineering Conference (CEC) on July 17-21. The interdependent subjects of the two conferences attracted more than eight hundred participants, who came to share the latest advances in low-temperature materials science and technology. They also came for the important by products of the conferences: identification of new research areas, of collaborative research possibilities, and the establishment and renewal of exploration professional relationships. Ted Collings (Ohio State University), as Chairmen of the 1995 ICMC; Ted Hartwig (Texas A&M University), as Program Chairman; and twenty-one other Program Committee members expertly arranged the ICMC technical sessions and related activities. The contributions of the CEC board and its Conference Chairman James B. Peeples of CVI, Inc., were central to the success of the eleventh CEC/ICMC. Jeff Bergen of Lake Shore Cryogenics served as Exhibits Chairman. Local arrangements and conference management were expertly handled under the guidance of Centennial Conferences, Inc. Skillful assistance with editing and preparation ofthese proceedings was provided by Ms. Vicky Bardos ofSynchrony, Inc.