Status of the ITER full-tungsten divertor shaping and heat load distribution analysis

In September 2011, the ITER Organization (IO) proposed to begin operation with a full-tungsten (W) armoured divertor, with the objective of taking a decision on the final target material (carbon fibre composite or W) by the end of 2013. This period of 2 years would enable the development of a full-W divertor design compatible with nuclear operations, the investigation of further several physics R and D aspects associated with the use of W targets and the completion of technology qualification. Beginning with a brief overview of the reference heat load specifications which have been defined for the full-W engineering activity, this paper will report on the current status of the ITER divertor shaping and will summarize the results of related three-dimensional heat load distribution analysis performed as part of the design validation. (paper)