Non-destructive methods for the defect detection in the ITER high heat flux components

This paper discusses the application of non-destructive testing (NDT) by ultrasonic technique for the control of the joining interfaces of the ITER divertor vertical target plasma facing units. The defect detection capability has to be proved for both metal to metal and metal to carbon/carbon fibre composite (CFC) joints because these two types of joints have to be realized for the manufacturing of the high heat flux units. In this paper the UT results coming from the investigation performed during the manufacturing, but also after the thermal fatigue testing (up to 20 MW/m2) of six mock-ups manufactured using the Hot Radial Pressure technology (HRP) in ENEA labs are presented and compared with the evidences from the final destructive examination. Regarding the Cu/CFC joint, the effectiveness of the ultrasonic test has been deeply studied due to the high acoustic attenuation of CFC to ultrasonic waves. To investigate the possibility to use the ultrasonic technique for this type of joint, an ‘ad hoc’ flat Cu/CFC joint sample, that reproduces the actual annular joint interfaces, was manufactured. This flat sample has the advantage of being easily tested by probes with different geometry and frequency. UT results are compared with X-ray and eddy current testing of the same sample.