Use of tungsten material for the ITER divertor. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hirai, T.; Panayotis, S.; Barabash, V.; Amzallag, C.; Escourbiac, F.; Durocher, A.; Merola, M.; Linke, J.; Loewenhoff, Th.; Pintsuk, G.; Wirtz, M.; Uytdenhouwen, I.
• Is Part Of: Nuclear materials and energy. Volume 9(2016)
• Page Start: 616
• Page End: 622
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Nuclear energy -- Periodicals; Nuclear fuels -- Periodicals; Nuclear reactors -- Materials -- Periodicals; Radioactive substances -- Periodicals; 621.4833
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nme.2016.07.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-1791

Abstract

Abstract: Since the ITER divertor design includes tungsten monoblocks in the vertical target where heat loads are maximal, the design to protect leading edges as well as technology R&D for high performance armor-heat sink joint were necessary to be implemented. In the R&D, the availability of the technology was demonstrated by high heat flux test of tungsten monoblock components. Not systematically but frequently macro-cracks appeared at the middle of monoblocks after 20 MW/m 2 loading. The initiation of such macro-cracks was considered to be due to cyclic exposure to high temperature, ∼2000 °C, where creep, recrystallization and low cycle fatigue were concerned. To understand correlation between the macro-crack appearance and mechanical properties and possible update of acceptance criteria in the material specification, an activity to characterize the tungsten monoblocks was launched.