Plasma-sprayed materials for magnetic fusion energy devices

Conference · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:6134196

Smith, M F; Croessmann, C D; Hosking, F M; Watson, R D; Koski, J A

Plasma spray technology is being evaluated as a means to address important fabrication and maintenance problems associated with plasma-interactive components in magnetic fusion devices (e.g., limiters, divertors, and some first wall surfaces). Low-oxygen vacuum plasma sprayed copper has been tested as a ductile, high thermal conductivity interlayer to limit thermal stress and prevent cracking when brazing pyrolytic graphite (PG) tiles to high-strength metal cooling tubes. A brazed tile/tube assembly with this sprayed interlayer has survived thermal testing up to a surface heat flux of 2.0 kW cm{sup {minus}2} as computed on the basis of the power removed in the sample cooling water. A vacuum-sprayed, tungsten-wire-reinforced, copper composite has also been studied as a means to produce an interlayer with highly anisotropic thermal expansion similar to that of PG. Beryllium and tungsten are the present alternatives to graphite for plasma-facing surfaces. High heat flux testing of plasma-sprayed beryllium samples indicates that adhesion and thermal conductivity must be improved. Plasma-sprayed tungsten has performed well in thermal tests, but other factors may rule out the use of tungsten in near term fusion devices. 6 refs., 6 figs., 1 tab.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 6134196
• Report Number(s): SAND-90-2357C; CONF-9106148-1; ON: DE91010476
• Resource Relation: Conference: 2. plasma-technik symposium, Lucerne (Switzerland), 5-7 Jun 1991
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
BERYLLIUM
VAPOR DEPOSITED COATINGS
COPPER
GRAPHITE
THERMONUCLEAR REACTOR MATERIALS
ENERGY BEAM DEPOSITION
TUNGSTEN
DIVERTORS
FIRST WALL
LIMITERS
MAGNETIC CONFINEMENT
THERMAL TESTING
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
CARBON
COATINGS
CONFINEMENT
DEPOSITION
ELEMENTAL MINERALS
ELEMENTS
MATERIALS
MATERIALS TESTING
METALS
MINERALS
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
NONMETALS
PLASMA CONFINEMENT
SURFACE COATING
TESTING
THERMONUCLEAR REACTOR WALLS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
700209* - Fusion Power Plant Technology- Component Development & Materials Testing
360101 - Metals & Alloys- Preparation & Fabrication
360601 - Other Materials- Preparation & Manufacture