The provision of a particle and power exhaust solution which is compatible with first-wall components and edge-plasma conditions is a key area of present-day fusion research and mandatory for a successful operation of ITER and DEMO. The work package plasma-facing components (WP PFC) within the European fusion programme complements with laboratory experiments, i.e. in linear plasma devices, electron and ion beam loading facilities, the studies performed in toroidally confined magnetic devices, such as JET, ASDEX Upgrade, WEST etc. The connection of both groups is done via common physics and engineering studies, including the qualification and specification of plasma-facing components, and by modelling codes that simulate edge-plasma conditions and the plasma-material interaction as well as the study of fundamental processes. WP PFC addresses these critical points in order to ensure reliable and efficient use of conventional, solid PFCs in ITER (Be and W) and DEMO (W and steel)

Laser Melting Deposition (LMD) is a metal printing technique that allows for the manufacturing of large objects by Directed Energy Deposition. Due to its versatility in variation of parameters, the possibility to use two or more materials, to create alloys in situ or produce multi-layer structures, LMD is still being scientifically researched and is still far from industrial maturity. The structural testing of obtained samples can be time consuming and solutions that can decrease the samples analysis time are constantly proposed in the scientific literature. In this manuscript we present a quality improvement study for obtaining defect-free bulk samples of Ti6Al4V under X-Ray Computed Tomography (XCT) by varying the hatch spacing and distance between planes. Based on information provided by XCT, the experimental conditions were changed until complete elimination of porosity. Information on the defects in the bulk of the samples by XCT was used for feedback during parameters tuning in view of complete removal of pores. The research time was reduced to days instead of weeks or months of samples preparation and analysis by destructive metallographic techniques.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

PACS: 81.70.Tx, 78.70.En. AbstractA combination of X-ray imaging techniques is employed for the characterization of coated/impregnated carbon based composite materials to be used as Plasma Facing Components (PFC) in fusion devices. X-ray micro-tomography (µXCT) is applied for the visualization of Carbon Fiber Composites (CFC) -Cu joined samples and also for the CFC material porosity network characterization. The quantitative determination of the tungsten coating thickness on carbon materials is performed using a combined absorption/fluorescence X-ray technique (µXRFT). The method was applied at the analysis of W coated fine grain graphite (FGG) and CFC tiles. The X-ray imaging techniques provide fast analysis and high spatial resolution.

No abstract

No abstract