Development of advanced high heat flux and plasma-facing materials
2017
Plasma-facing materials and components in a fusion reactor are the interface between the
plasma and the material part. The operational conditions in this environment are probably
the most challenging parameters for any material: high power loads and large particle and
neutron fluxes are simultaneously impinging at their surfaces. To realize fusion in a tokamak
or stellarator reactor, given the proven geometries and technological solutions, requires an
improvement of the thermo-mechanical capabilities of currently available materials. In its
first part this article describes the requirements and needs for new, advanced materials for the
plasma-facing components. Starting points are capabilities and limitations of tungsten-based
alloys and structurally stabilized materials. Furthermore, material requirements from the
fusion-specific loading scenarios of a divertor in a water-cooled configuration are described,
defining directions for the material development. Finally, safety requirements for a fusion
reactor with its specific accident scenarios and their potential environmental impact lead to
the definition of inherently passive materials, avoiding release of radioactive material through
intrinsic material properties. The second part of this article demonstrates current material
development lines answering the fusion-specific requirements for high heat flux materials.
New composite materials, in particular fiber-reinforced and laminated structures, as well
as mechanically alloyed tungsten materials, allow the extension of the thermo-mechanical
operation space towards regions of extreme steady-state and transient loads. Self-passivating
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