Refractory Substrate/Capillary Assisted/Thin Flowing Lithium Film Plasma Facing Component

78365 Free-surface, flowing, liquid-metal cooling systems are an option for the removal of heat from energy-producing fusion devices. However, these free flowing liquid films are difficult to direct and contain because of their interactions with the high energy plasma and the powerful magnetic fields present in these machines. This project will develop a, capillary assisted, thin flowing, lithium film plasma facing component on a refractory substrate. The system will provide a capillary-contained free flowing surface, parrallel lithium flow pasages for accepting high heat loads, and a refractory metal capillary and substrate surface for backup protection. Phase I will develop capilliary structures that are well adhered (wetting) to the lithium metal, develop a detailed conceptual design of the complete plasma facing component, and fabricate and demonstrate the plasma facing component with flowing lithium. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The primary application of the technology and the plasma facing component is for use in future energy producing fusion devices. The near term benefit of this type of device is to provide a test article for fusion investigators to fully understand the plasma/liquid surface interactions.