Conceptual design of test devices for the JHR tailored to the needs of the nuclear fusion community
Abstract
Since 2015, within the scope of the Jules Horowitz Reactor (JHR) project a collaborative effort between CCFE in the UK and CEA in France has been undertaken to investigate concepts of test devices for the JHR suitable for the needs of fusion researchers. It is hoped that in having optimized experimental devices designed will facilitate use of the JHR by the fusion community.
The project chose to focus on more instrumented test devices as it was felt that post-irradiation examination (PIE) type experiments at conventional temperatures could be undertaken with limited modifications to existing test devices. After internal exploration of the options, three potential test devices were identified; i) testing of ceramic functional materials; ii) testing at cryogenic temperatures; and iii) testing of thermo-mechanical fatigue. Each of these devices has been conceptually designed, demonstrating feasibility.
This paper describes each of the conceptual designs at their current level of maturity. Future collaborative work planned between the two parties will aim to develop these devices further.