Vacuum Induction Brazing Technology of Armour Material for ITER Enhanced Heat-Flux First Wall Panels

The key features of armour material joining technology for ITER enhanced heat-flux first wall panels, supplied by the Russian Federation, are considered. To achieve uniform heating of the brazing zone, ensure the required properties of the precipitation-hardening heat-sink material (CuCrZr), and maintain the integrity of the bimetallic joints of the multilayer structure, it was necessary to refine and optimize the induction heating parameters. The developed vacuum induction furnace, special equipment, and jigs made it possible to achieve high repeatability of the quality of brazed joints. The vacuum induction brazing technology for beryllium armour has been qualified according to the rules of the ITER Organization, and a full-scale prototype has been manufactured and tested. The first successful experimental work on brazing of tungsten armour using this method was carried out.