The European ITER Test Blanket Modules: EUROFER97 material and TBM's fabrication technologies development and qualification

The paper overviews activities focused on qualification of EUROFER97 structural material, introduced under a probationary phase in the nuclear components design and construction code RCC-MRx, and identification/analyses of gaps in the respective material database to be filled in. Additionally the available design rules in the code are reviewed to verify their applicability to the specificities of EUROFER97 steel and to the TBM design and fabrication. Progress achieved in development of fabrication technologies and procedures applied for manufacturing of the TBM sub-components, like, HCLL and HCPB cooling plates, stiffening plates, first wall and side caps, and for TBM structure sub-assembly is described. The used technologies are based on fusion (laser and TIG) and diffusion (HIP) welding techniques taking into account specificities of the EUROFER97 steel. With help of the agreed notified body, an appropriate approach/methodology for qualification of the developed, TBMs-related preliminary welding procedure specifications has been identified and future steps established. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.