FEM study of recrystallized tungsten under ELM-like heat loads

FEM thermal analysis has been performed on rolled tungsten plate loaded with heat load of 23 MW/m² for 1.5 s. Gradient temperature field is generated due to the Gaussian shape beam profile. Recrystallization and grain growth of various scales were found at different areas of the sample depending on the localized thermal field. FEM thermal–mechanical analyses have been performed on the recrystallized tungsten exposed to ELMs-like heat loads. The analyzed load conditions were 0.38 and 1.14 GW/m² with different base temperatures. Material deterioration due to recrystallization was implemented by adopting decreased yield stress, tangent modulus, strength coefficient and ductility coefficients. Life time predicted by adopting strain life criterion indicates grain growth from 5 μm to 100 μm causes the life decrease of 80%. This result is gained by pure mathematical calculation based on the empiric assumptions of material properties