https://hdl.handle.net/10481/103852 2026-04-20T07:53:30Z 2026-04-20T07:53:30Z Benzoni, G. Bernardi, D. Fuentes-Calero, D. Cammi, A. Claps, V. Introini, Carolina Miccichè, G. Nitti, F.S. Sanchez Herranz, Daniel Mozzillo, R. Tripodo, C. https://hdl.handle.net/10481/104072 2025-05-12T12:07:02Z

Remote handling validation of the OPM-FDS connecting system for the IFMIF-DONES target assembly Benzoni, G.; Bernardi, D.; Fuentes-Calero, D.; Cammi, A.; Claps, V.; Introini, Carolina; Miccichè, G.; Nitti, F.S.; Sanchez Herranz, Daniel; Mozzillo, R.; Tripodo, C. The qualification process of the materials for future DEMO fusion reactors plays a pivotal role towards its realization. In this light, the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility-DEMO Oriented Neutron Source (IFMIF-DONES) has achieved the final design stage and is currently under construction in Granada (Spain). IFMIF-DONES aims to reproduce the irradiation conditions foreseen on the first wall of DEMO by using deuteronlithium stripping reactions induced by a D+ beam accelerated through a superconducting LINAC. These reactions occur in a Target Assembly (TA) within a closed cavity (Test Cell) housing the test modules. Due to the strong neutron activation, a Remote Handling System (RHS) is required to perform the maintenance operations in the Test Cell. Therefore, suitably custom-designed components necessary due to the conditions of IFMIF-DONES, must be validated from the RH point of view. In particular, the system responsible for connecting the TA with the accelerator beamline plays a key role. This system includes a compression element made of an extensible bellow actuated by a One-Point-Mechanism (OPM) and a circular chain acting as a Fast Detachment System (FDS), which secures the connection by applying the required tightening force on the sealing gasket. The main objective of this work is then to test and validate the OPM-FDS design with focus on the RH suitability. Therefore, to demonstrate the concept validity and qualify the system, the University of Granada made a prototype of the OPM-FDS connection in collaboration with ARQUIMEA® and delivered it to the ENEA Brasimone Center for experimental validation. The outcomes of the validation activity conducted in this work confirmed that the OPMFDS design is suitable for Remote Handling and can perform several connections and disconnections. The rescue system, which detaches the FDS in case of failure, has also been tested successfully. The experimental campaign also showed some potential improvements in the design of the connecting system for further implementation.

Vázquez-Barroso, M. A. Torregrosa-Martín, Claudio Maestre, Jorge https://hdl.handle.net/10481/103874 2025-05-02T06:11:43Z

Thermomechanical failure analysis of IFMIF-DONES target under off-nominal extreme conditions Vázquez-Barroso, M. A.; Torregrosa-Martín, Claudio; Maestre, Jorge IFMIF-DONES will be a radiological facility for material irradiation replicating conditions expected in future fusion reactors. It will employ a 40 MeV deuteron beam directed at a liquid Li target circulating at 15 m/s to generate high-energy neutrons, depositing 5 MW. The Back-Plate (BP), placed immediately downstream of the Li, separates the vacuum of the accelerator and target chambers from the low-pressure He atmosphere housing the irradiation modules. A critical scenario postulates an eventual loss of liquid Li curtain thickness without shutting down the beam, risking a direct or partial deuteron beam impact on the BP causing large power deposition. This study provides the BP dynamic thermomechanical response, aiming at characterizing the involved timings in the impact-triggered events, such as mechanical failure, melting or vaporization. This is important to evaluate the eventual mobilization of the BP volatilized activated material and the available timings for beam shutdown. The methodology involves Monte-Carlo simulations for power deposition data integrated into a Finite Element model in ANSYS for transient thermal and structural analyses. Results include timings for melting, vaporization, and mechanical response as function of the beam footprint area and the Li jet thickness reduction.