DEMO design criteria for in-vessel components – strategic vision and overarching considerations

Le résumé fourni par la source

In-Vessel components in fusion nuclear systems have to withstand a very harsh combination of loads and environmental conditions which leads to designs that are significantly more complex and distinct from those of fission components. The ability to accurately predict component performance in in-vessel conditions, factoring in suitable design margins against critical failure mechanisms, is an overarching concern from a safety as well as investment protection perspective for the realisation of DEMO fusion power plant. This requires a critical evaluation of the typical failure mechanisms that are usually considered for design assessment of existing nuclear components considering both their relative individual significance from a limit state design perspective as well as their applicability for the selected in-vessel components’ materials and the fusion in-vessel operating conditions. Furthermore, the possibility of ductile and brittle failure mechanisms being intertwined over the design life of a fusion component requires clear understanding and evaluation of potential synergistic effects to optimise the component life and prevent premature failures in service. To that end, this paper will highlight the driving objectives, structure and status of the DEMO Design Criteria for In-Vessel Components (DDC-IC), currently under development in EUROfusion. The paper will also highlight the salient aspects associated with the design principles and associated design rules that are under consideration within the DDC-IC. This will include the arguments serving to investigate the core assumptions and theoretical basis associated with selected design rules within existing Codes and Standards as well as the avenues being explored to address the "gaps".

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.