ITER research plan of plasma–wall interaction

This paper describes an important part of ITER Research Plan, on plasma–wall interaction (PWI). In order to maximize the flexibility of the machine during the initial operation (H and D phases), CFC will be used for the targets. Tungsten will be used for the other plasma-facing components of the divertor. In order to minimize the tritium retention, tungsten will fully cover the divertor targets before the DT phase. Extrapolation of heat loads on plasma-facing components (PFCs) during disruption and ELMs to ITER parameters indicates serious consequences of these phenomena. Therefore schemes for prediction and mitigation or avoidance of these phenomena need to be developed during construction and demonstrated in the early phase of ITER operation. T-retention and dust have important impacts on safety. Therefore the methods of measurement and removal of tritium and dust must be developed during construction and demonstrated in the early phase of ITER operation.