Thermal shock of tungsten carbide in plasma-facing conditions

Tungsten carbide (WC) has been found to have higher resistance to plasma-induced thermal shock compared to rolled tungsten. The electron beam device JUDITH 1 was used to simulate likely thermal shock conditions induced by edge localised modes and plasma disruptions. Loading conditions of 100–1000 cycles, heat fluxes of 0.19–1.13 GW/m2 and base temperatures of 400–1000 °C were employed on two candidate WC-based materials: a monolithic WC ceramic, and a WC-FeCr composite. Surprisingly, the monolith outperformed the composite under all conditions. This was unexpected, particularly at 400 °C, based on the calculated thermal shock resistance parameters. The result was explained by preferential melting of the metallic FeCr binder. Compared to available data collected under identical conditions on rolled tungsten plate, monolithic WC had lower surface roughness from thermal shock damage, particularly when tested at 400 °C. This shows promise for its use as a plasma facing material. Strategies for further improving performance are discussed.