Investigate performance of 3D printed capillary porous structures carrying liquid lithium under H-mode plasma exposure
2024 Research Campaign, Thrust: FPP Candidate Wall Materials
Purpose of Experiment
This experiment aims to explore the behavior of lithium within a 3D printed tungsten (W) capillary porous structure (CPS) when exposed to H-mode deuterium plasmas in the DIII-D tokamak. The primary objectives are to study lithium transport and redeposition, evaluate the CPS’s ability to prevent droplet formation and leakage and examine the effect of fuel puffing on lithium evaporation and transport. Additionally, the experiment will assess fuel retention in the target and in lithium-deuterium co-deposits near the target. This research contributes to the development of liquid metal divertor designs, which offer advantages such as self-replenishment and enhanced heat handling capabilities, essential for future fusion power plants.