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Innovative Solid Surface Plasma Facing Components for Fusion Energy Devices--Plasma Processes, Inc., 4914-D Moores Mill Road, Huntsville, AL 35811-1558; 205-851-7653
Mr. Timothy Mckechnie, Principal Investigator
Mr. Timothy Mckechnie, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-98ER82644
Amount: $750,000
Innovative solid surface plasma facing components (PFCs) are needed for burning plasma experiments in order to extend the boundaries of current fusion technology. This project will develop two unique methods for fabricating solid surface PFCs. The first is the optimization of a beryllium brush armor with an aluminum alloy heat sink PFC for the first wall of an upcoming burning plasma experiment. The second is the development of a helium gas-cooled tungsten armor/tungsten heat sink PFC that will expand the boundaries of operation for future plasma experiments. The beryllium PFC design was validated in Phase I, using light-weight, low cost aluminum alloy heat sinks that eliminated the possibility of forming brittle beryllium-copper intermetallics. A beryllium brush armor was produced with a near 100% packing factor. This armor was then joined to aluminum alloy heat sinks, demonstrating the feasibility of fabricating PFCs with alternative heat sink materials, rather than the traditionally used copper alloys. Phase II will optimize the techniques used to fabricate the beryllium brush/aluminum alloy heat sink PFCs, fabricate tungsten/tungsten components for testing, and develop tungsten armor/tungsten heat sinks for helium gas-cooled testing.
Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Applications include liners for rocket engine nozzles, fusion plasma facing components, high temperature furnace components, heat shields, beam, sputter and x-ray targets, electrical high power contacts, and valve seats.