ALPS · Design Framework for Single-step Additive Manufacturing of Liquid Metal-based Plasma-facing Surfaces for Fusion Reactors

Energy is now the topic of a full-blown political and economic crisis in Europe. Nuclear fusion is a promising option to replace fossil fuels as a limitless, safe, and CO2-free source of energy. However, some challenging engineering issues must be addressed before fusion can supply electricity to the grid. The fusion reactor's first wall is subject to severe heat flux, erosion, and sputtering. Therefore, new materials must be developed. A liquid metal wall has been introduced as a viable solution to address all issues associated with the first wall of a fusion reactor. The ALPS project aims to deliver an innovative multi-objective design framework based on Additive Manufacturing (AM) of tungsten to address the main challenges associated with Liquid Metal walls and produce a state-of-the-art plasma-facing material for future fusion reactors. The Alps project will reach its goals by (1) introducing design guidelines for precision AM of tungsten, (2) AM of tungsten-copper multi-materials, (3) AM of a high-performance tungsten capillary porous system and (4) assessment of the produced liquid metal walls in fusion conditions. Since this is a highly interdisciplinary research topic, the ALPS project will connect two competencies existing at the applicant and TU/e, precision AM and the design and testing of liquid metal walls, through a European postdoctoral fellowship, to present a new concept of using AM in fusion research. The nature of this project is high-risk/high-gain. However, the existing competencies at the applicant, host, and associated partner (DIFFER) make the ambitious goals achievable. Contribution to fusion research as one of the promising sources of future energy is a strong motivation in the applicant to implement this research and push the state of the art in materials for fusion energy. Through this fellowship, the applicant will acquire new knowledge, skills, and competencies in top-ranked institutes to develop his career.