Thermal strain test and analysis of the W-ZrC mono-block mock-up

Mono-blocks are important components of plasma-facing components (PFCs) in nuclear fusion engineering. WZrC shows superior performance as a novel plasma-facing material (PFM) and may be a better choice as a promising armor material. A W-ZrC mono-block mock-up developed for the divertors of future fusion reactors was tested and analyzed. The displacement, strain, and temperature of the model were obtained using a comprehensive experimental platform combining an electron beam scanning high-heat-flux (HHF) test system with digital image correlation (DIC). The mock-up was successfully subjected to stepped loading (5-10 MW m-2) and cyclical loading (10 MW m- 2 for 1000 cycles). The bending effect that caused the mock-up to arch upward was observed. The mock-up was maintained in an elastic deformation state during the entire cyclic process. Linear fitting of the strain data revealed that the strain grew slowly at a growth rate of 0.3 and linear extrapolation found that one of the conditions limiting the lifetime of the mock-up was 24,135 cycles.