Fusion device wall mystery could be unlocked for pure plasma with new nuclear research
The project is expected to provide data on tungsten ion properties under fusion-relevant plasma conditions.
A top global nuclear body has launched a new project to assemble, validate, and distribute data on tungsten impurity processes in fusion plasmas. International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) new five-year Coordinated Research Project (CRP F43028) could help advance nuclear fusion energy development.
Planned to be used as wall material in next-step fusion devices (even in ITER), tungsten offers favourable thermal and mechanical properties for future fusion reactors.
However, there are speculations that interactions between plasma particles and tungsten walls can lead to erosion, which can release tungsten impurities into the plasma.
Impurities in plasma core can increase radiative energy losses
IAEA highlighted that these impurities in plasma core can severely impact stability and performance by increasing radiative energy losses and triggering disruptive instabilities.
The new project would work on understanding the behavior of tungsten ions in fusion plasmas to mitigate risks.