Theoretical studies of macroscopic erosion mechanisms of melt layers developed on plasma facing components

During plasma instabilities in tokamak devices, metallic plasma facing components (PFC) undergo surface vaporization and melting. Macroscopic losses of melt layers are of a serious concern to the lifetime of PFC, the damage of nearby components, and potential core plasma contamination. A normal or inclined plasma stream flowing at the melt layer surface of PFC at very high velocities (∼105 m/s) can induce Kelvin–Helmholtz (K–H) instabilities. We present an extensive linear stability theory and capillary droplet ejection model adapted to the problem of melt layer erosion and splashing. Based on this linear analysis, the stability criterion is established accounting the influence of the thicknesses of both plasma stream and melt layer. The growth rate of the most unstable wave is investigated with respect to different parameters such as plasma density and velocity, material properties, and melt layer thickness. A capillary droplet ejection model is then developed and used to analytically estimate the erosion rate of the melt layer for tungsten and aluminum targets. The present work brings a detailed understanding of the onset of K–H instabilities developed in melt layers due to plasma stream impact and builds a theoretical basis to estimate a macroscopic erosion rate, material losses and lifetime for PFC.