Structural integrity of DEMO divertor target assessed by neutron tomography

Structural integrity of DEMO divertor target assessed by neutron tomography

Structural integrity of DEMO divertor target assessed by neutron tomography 150 150 UKAEA Opendata
UKAEA-CCFE-PR(21)10

Structural integrity of DEMO divertor target assessed by neutron tomography

The divertor target plates are the most exposed in-vessel components to high heat flux loads in a fusion reactor due to a combination of plasma bombardment, radiation and nuclear heating. Reliable exhaust systems of such a huge thermal power required a robust and durable divertor target with a sufficiently large heat removal capability and lifetime. In this context, it is pivotal to develop non-destructive evaluation methods to assess the structural integrity of this component that, if compromised could reduced its lifetime. In this work we have demonstrated for the first time the feasibility of using neutron tomography to detect volumetric defects within DEMO divertor mock-ups with a spatial resolution of the order of hundreds of micrometers. Further improvement of flaw detection down to several tens of micrometers is possible for divertor component and currently under investigation. Neutron tomography is applicable for studying complex structures, often manufactured from exotic materials which are not favorable for conventional non-destructive evaluation methods. This technique could be effectively used during research and development cycles of fusion component design or for quality assurance during manufacturing.

Collection:
Journals
Journal:
Fusion Engineering and Design
Publisher:
Elsevier
Published date:
25/01/2021