Author(s)

M. Merola & R. Matera

Abstract

Thermal fatigue experiments versus theoretical models M. Merola, R. Matera Commission of the European Communities, Joint Ce^re, T.f. 750, Italy ABSTRACT One of the most critical issues of the experimental fusion reactor is the thermal fatigue of the so-called 'First Wall', i.e. the component directly facing the thermonuclear plasma. In the framework of the European Fusion Technology Programme, thermal fatigue experiments are carried out at the Joint Research Centre at Ispra. This work describes the numerical modelling of the thermal fatigue cycles and compare numerical results with experimental data. Particular attention is given to the various problems to be solved when modelling a real experiment. INTRODUCTION components are heated, as during start up, and cooled, as during shut down, the resulting thermal gradients give rise to stresses. The continuous change of such stresses, due to the operational cycles of

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