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Fusion world

UKAEA's CHIMERA set to transform fusion component testing

19 Apr 2021 - Tom Barrett, CHIMERA Technical Lead at UKAEA
Construction of a unique testing machine for fusion components is underway at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). 
CHIMERA.jpg
When it opens in 2022, CHIMERA will be the only device in the world able to subject critical fusion component prototypes to the high heat flux and static and pulsed magnetic fields expected in a future reactor.
The machine, known as CHIMERA (or Combined Heating and Magnetic Research Apparatus), will be located at UKAEA's new Fusion Technology Facility in South Yorkshire, UK.

When it opens in 2022, CHIMERA will be the only device in the world able to subject critical fusion component prototypes to the combination of high heat flux with static and pulsed magnetic fields within a vacuum or inert atmosphere—conditions that will be faced in large fusion devices such as ITER and in future commercial plants. (Watch an animation here.)

Key fusion in-vessel components like the blanket, divertor and diagnostic modules are expected to be tested. Optical digital image correlation and laser metrology will be used to map 3D surface deformations and damage due to the harsh testing environment. In addition to providing invaluable test results, these and other techniques will be used to generate and synchronize component digital twins—predictive models and simulations that will be crucial to the design and qualification of fusion power plants. This "virtual qualification" is a key strand of CHIMERA's capability that will enable virtual testing of components under conditions that cannot be recreated in an experiment.

"This will enable a step change in our ability to verify and test components for all UK and international fusion research programs. It therefore represents a hugely important national capability, enabling industry in the UK and internationally to design, and eventually qualify, components for future commercial fusion power plants."

See the original article here.

To learn more about the facility's capabilities or to express an interest in using CHIMERA visit this page or contact UKAEA Business Development Manager, John Steele, at @email.

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