Thermomechanical Stress Analysis of the Vessel Coating of an Ignition Experiment

A relatively simple and low cost first wall system concept for a fusion ignition experiment is proposed and analyzed here. The basic idea is to use plasma gun technology to spray a thin layer of beryllium over the inside surface in the vacuum vessel. This concept is analyzed for the fusion ignition experiment IGNITEX. To minimize peaking factors during regular operation, a continuous limiter plasma control is envisioned. With presently available data on beryllium coatings, a thermomechanical stress analysis during a major disruption process at ignition is analyzed. It is concluded that the basic concept of the full beryllium coating over the vacuum vessel is feasible on a preliminary basis. Some research and development needs in this area are discussed.