2024 – Quantifying toroidal asymmetries on divertor metal targets, fuel retention, and synergistic effects of B and SiC powders injection

Quantifying toroidal asymmetries on divertor metal targets, fuel retention, and synergistic effects of B and SiC powders injection

2024 Research Campaign, Plasma-Material Interactions

Purpose of Experiment

This experiment aims to understand and quantify the toroidal asymmetries in boron deposition on plasma-facing components (PFCs) in DIII-D using real-time powder injection. The study will assess how these asymmetries, influenced by the magnetic field configuration, affect the performance and lifespan of PFCs, particularly when using tungsten targets. Additionally, the experiment will explore the synergistic effects of siliconization with SiC powder injection, investigating how this combination can further optimize wall conditions in preparation for ITER and future fusion power plants. The results will inform strategies for real-time wall conditioning and coating in fusion reactors, addressing key challenges in plasma-wall interactions and material erosion.

Experimental Approach

The experiment involves a series of controlled scans of the toroidal magnetic field (Btor) to manipulate the magnetic flux tube connections from the impurity powder dropper (IPD) to the divertor. These scans will help identify the extent of boron deposition asymmetry on tungsten DiMES targets. In-situ measurements of boron and high-Z impurity fluxes, as well as post-mortem analysis of the deposition on metal targets, will provide comprehensive data on the deposition patterns. SiC powder injection will also be tested to evaluate its impact on wall conditioning. The results from this experiment will be crucial for validating 3D fluid models such as EMC3 and will support the development of real-time wall conditioning techniques in ITER and fusion pilot plants.