Simulation of Phase Change and Splashing Motion of Beryllium Melt In Fusion Reactor

Beryllium (Be) is a common material which will be used as plasma facing component in ITER for its unique properties of high thermal conductivity, low density, and high strength. However, under extreme conditions of high temperature and pressure, Be can melt at the surface of the tiles and molten droplets can be ejected into the reactor system and lead to disruption of fusion reaction. As a result, such phenomenon can cause a significant impact on the efficiency and stability of fusion plasma in the ITER and future fusion devices. The melting of Be was observed on the upper dump plate tiles in JET reactor. 1 The pressure, mass density, velocity of Be vapor, and variations of temperature at the melt layer interface can influence the splashing of Be melt. Therefore, it is important to understand the physics mechanisms governing the Be melt motion and splashing under the relevant ITER conditions.