Thermomechanical analysis of tungsten plasma-facing components under transient loading

Abstract

The heat loading on plasma facing components provides one of the critical design challenges for the first wall and divertors for fusion power plants. To date, design of these components has focused on steady operating conditions, but the less understood transient edge localized modes and off-normal loading conditions such as plasma disruption must also be considered. In this article, we summarize the current status of the thermomechanical design for divertors and first walls for a fusion nuclear science facility (FNSF). Additionally, predicted transient thermal loads on the plasma facing surfaces are summarized. The thermal responses of the divertor and first wall designs to the transient ELMs and disruption loads are then investigated and the viability of these designs discussed.