Work

Experimental investigation of low-velocity impact on double-walled poloidal segment in nuclear fusion vacuum vessel

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The vacuum vessel in nuclear fusion reactor is welded from four poloidal segments, and a comprehensive understanding of impact response of the double-walled characteristic is crucial to cope with active or passive impact events for long-term integrity and safety. A scaled-down poloidal segment prototype model was fabricated, and low-velocity impact experiments were performed under various distinct energy levels using the drop weight impact method. The impact response was comprehensively evaluated in terms of contact force, displacement, stress distribution, and energy absorption characteristics. The effects of punch shape, punch mass, and impact position on dynamic response characteristics were analyzed. The results indicate that there is a positive correlation between impact contact force, displacement, and energy absorption with the energy level. As the punch energy increases from 60 J to 195 J, the peak contact force rises from 38.58 kN to 52.43 kN, and the residual deformation increases from 1.25 mm to 3.40 mm. These investigations are instrumental in assessing the impact resistance and structural integrity of vacuum vessel.

Source: Nuclear Engineering and Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.net.2026.104314

Authors: Hua Zhai, Cheng Li, Yushan Wang, Xuncheng Wang, Siyuan Zheng, Haibiao Ji

Institutions: Hefei University of Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Plasma Physics

Language: English

Topic: Structural Response to Dynamic Loads

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $200

Funder: National Key Research and Development Program of China