Structural analysis of eroded carbon fiber composite tiles of Tore Supra: insights on ion transport and erosion parameters

As part of the deuterium inventory in the Tore Supra project, a detailed structural analysis of the eroded tiles (carbon fiber composite tiles) of the main plasma-facing component of Tore Supra, the toroidal pump limiter, has been performed. It combines scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and Raman microscopy. A tile cross-section has been scanned, showing the eroded profile of the tile and allowing the net erosion rate to be determined. Ripples are observed on the surface of the eroded tiles and this pattern gives a clear indication of the ion flux direction. The height profile along the valleys indicates that the fibers are eroded faster than the matrix, the difference in the erosion rates probably originating from differences in microstructure.