Free Surface Flowing Liquid-Plasma Interaction Facility

Attractive fusion energy sources will require the use of new concepts and advanced materials, able to withstand the high levels of surface heat flux and neutron wall loads for in-vessel components.  The application of free surface flowing liquids as plasma-facing components in future fusion energy systems will meet this need.  This project will examine key liquid-plasma interaction issues to assess the feasibility of free surface flowing liquids as advanced plasma-facing components for future fusion systems.  These issues include effective hydrogen/helium particle retention, liquid erosion (sputtering, evaporation), power extraction, vapor shielding, and macroscopic liquid removal.  Phase I will evaluate the technical feasibility of developing and fabricating free surface flowing liquid modules.

Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by awardee: The development and fabrication of free surface flowing liquid modules for future fusion energy systems should meet both short and long-term performance criteria for existing and future energy systems.

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