The 11th International Workshop on Plasma-Facing Materials and Components for Fusion Applications

Abstract

The International Workshop on Plasma-Facing Materials and Components is a successor of the International Workshop on Carbon Materials for Fusion Applications series. Between 1985 and 2003 ten 'Carbon Workshops' were organised in Jülich, Stockholm and Hohenkammer. Then it was high time for a change and redefinition of the scope of the symposium. To reflect the requirements of ITER and the ongoing evolution of the field it was decided to change the name of the workshop from 'International Workshop on Carbon Materials for Fusion Applications' to 'International Workshop on Plasma-Facing Materials and Components for Fusion Applications'. This workshop provides a discussion forum for experts from research institutions and industry dealing with materials for plasma-facing components in present and future controlled fusion devices. The operation of ASDEX-Upgrade with tungsten-coated wall, the fast progress of the ITER-Like Wall Project at JET, and the beginning of ITER construction emphasize the importance of plasma–wall interactions and component behaviour and impart enhanced momentum to the field. In this context, the properties and behaviour of beryllium, carbon and tungsten under plasma impact are research topics of foremost relevance and importance.The 11th International Workshop (PFMC-11) was held in Greifswald, an old charming hanseatic and university town on the Baltic coast. The meeting was hosted by the Greifswald branch of the Max-Planck Institute for Plasma Physics where the large stellerator, Wendelstein-7X, is being constructed. A key objective for the symposium was to provide timely input for crucial decisions on the selection of first-wall materials for ITER. Our community is aware of the advantages and serious drawbacks of all candidate materials. As a result, a strong discussion is in progress whether to use carbon or to eliminate it and replace it by metal components. It is well known to the community that carbon—with its excellent power-handling capabilities but also strong 'addiction' to hydrogen—is an 'enfant terrible' in the family of candidate materials for first wall components. However, we know less about the behaviour of tungsten and beryllium especially in an environment containing carbon. There are several appealing issues of material mixing and fuel retention that call for robust and comprehensive studies. In this sense, the aim of the Workshop was not only to discuss hot topics but also to identify the most important research areas that need urgent resolution. Another topic of foremost relevance for ITER is the development of plasma-facing components which are able to withstand the extreme power fluxes, in particular those during transient phases. Materials and production methods for high-heat-flux components have to be further developed and industrialized. A key requirement is the development of non-destructive testing methods for qualification of methods and quality assessment during production.A main goal of this workshop is to achieve an integration of physics and technology related aspects and phenomena. Therefore, invited talks and contributed presentations dealt with aspects of fundamental processes, experimental findings, advanced modelling, and technology of fusion reactor components. 23 oral and 65 poster presentations were given by participants coming from research laboratories and industrial companies. 155 researchers from 23 countries from all over the world participated in the lively and intense exchange of knowledge and ideas. The presentations covered several major topics selected as the key topics of the workshop. Materials for the ITER-divertor (erosion, re-deposition, fuel retention) carbon-based materials (including C removal) tungsten beryllium mixed materials (intentional and unintentional). The ITER-like Wall Project. High heat flux component development. Transient heat loads (ELMs, disruptions). Conditio sine qua non for future success and progress in fusion science and engineering is the recruitment of young, talented scientists. Our responsibility is to get them interested in the topic and acquainted with major issues and challenges. For that reason, the Workshop was preceded by a series of tutorials on plasma–wall interactions and properties and testing of relevant materials. The response was beyond our expectation: nearly eighty young colleagues registered for the course and joined the workshop.The workshop was financially supported by the Max-Planck Institute for Plasma Physics. We are very grateful to the staff of the Max-Planck Institute who helped with the organisation. Our most cordial thanks and gratitude go to Mrs Anne Eggeling for all her kindness and efficiency in the organisation that helped all of us to enjoy the meeting.The present proceedings of this workshop contain manuscripts covering the contents of most of the invited presentations and a number of poster contributions which were pre-selected by the programme committee. In total, 48 manuscripts covering all topics of the workshop document the development and actual status of the field. We thank all the participants for their contributions and we thank the referees of the submitted papers. Thank you all for your hard work and co-operation. We look forward to the next meeting.Wolfgang Jacob Max-Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, Garching, Germany Marek Rubel Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm, Sweden