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This work has been carried out within the framework of the EURO-fusion Consortium, funded by the European Union via the Euratom Research and Training Programme (Grant Agreement No 101052200 - EUROfusion) . Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author (s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.

Analysis of institutional authors

Izaguirre, ICorresponding AuthorDe Prado, JAuthorSanchez, MAuthorUrena, AAuthor

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March 11, 2025
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Article
Hybrid Gold

HHF response of an optimized W-EUROFER joint brazed with pure copper

Publicated to:Materials Characterization. 219 114621- - 2025-01-01 219(), DOI: 10.1016/j.matchar.2024.114621

Authors: Izaguirre, I; Dorow-Gerspach, D; de Prado, J; Sanchez, M; Wirtz, M; Urena, A

Affiliations

Forschungszentrum Julich, Inst Energie & Klimaforschung, D-52425 Julich, Germany - Author
Rey Juan Carlos Univ, Mat Sci & Engn Area, ESCET, C Tulipan S-N, Madrid 28933, Spain - Author
Univ Rey Juan Carlos, Inst Invest Tecnol Parala Sostenibilidad, C Tulipan S-N, Madrid 28933, Spain - Author

Abstract

The optimization of joint microstructure plays a critical role in assessing joint performance under high heat flux (HHF) conditions, as it dictates the final properties of the joint. This study investigates tungsten-EUROFER joints brazed using a copper interlayer as filler material under optimized brazing cycle conditions (1110 degrees C, 3 min), and subjected to simulated high heat fluxes exposing the plasma facing material, tungsten in this case, to a heating source (accelerated electron bean), while the joint is refrigerated through the EUROFER side. This experiment aims to mimic the heat fluxes and cooling conditions experienced in a fusion reactor environment. An optimized microstructure of the braze joint, designed to mitigate the formation of intermetallic compounds and undesirable phases, was implemented to enhance joint responses under high heat flux loads. The joints were subjected to 100 and 1000 heating-cooling cycles of 10/12 s. The target during heating is to reach the thermal equilibrium. Three different tungsten surface temperature were evaluated (600 degrees C, 700 degrees C and 800 degrees C) in different sample batches while cooling on the EUROFER side, removing the heat source during the cooling stage. Some overheating events, associated with crack propagation through the EUROFER-braze interface identified during the subsequent postmortem analysis by SEM, were detected during the application of some conditions of the test. The microstructure examination also reported a modification of the failure mechanism of the joint comparing with the previous studies and literature. This modification is associated with the optimized microstructure resulting in improved response to high heat flux loads. Interestingly, the shear strength increased to an average of 95.0 MPa after HHF testing, compared to 40.2 MPa obtained in similar joints with different microstructures.

Keywords

BrazingCoppeCopperEuroferFusion reactorHigh heat flux loadsPlasma facing componentTungsten

Quality index

Bibliometric impact. Analysis of the contribution and dissemination channel

The work has been published in the journal Materials Characterization due to its progression and the good impact it has achieved in recent years, according to the agency WoS (JCR), it has become a reference in its field. In the year of publication of the work, 2025, it was in position 135/460, thus managing to position itself as a Q1 (Primer Cuartil), in the category Materials Science, Multidisciplinary.

Impact and social visibility

From the perspective of influence or social adoption, and based on metrics associated with mentions and interactions provided by agencies specializing in calculating the so-called "Alternative or Social Metrics," we can highlight as of 2025-08-13:

  • The use of this contribution in bookmarks, code forks, additions to favorite lists for recurrent reading, as well as general views, indicates that someone is using the publication as a basis for their current work. This may be a notable indicator of future more formal and academic citations. This claim is supported by the result of the "Capture" indicator, which yields a total of: 3 (PlumX).

It is essential to present evidence supporting full alignment with institutional principles and guidelines on Open Science and the Conservation and Dissemination of Intellectual Heritage. A clear example of this is:

  • The work has been submitted to a journal whose editorial policy allows open Open Access publication.

Leadership analysis of institutional authors

This work has been carried out with international collaboration, specifically with researchers from: Germany.

There is a significant leadership presence as some of the institution’s authors appear as the first or last signer, detailed as follows: First Author (Izaguirre López, Ignacio) and Last Author (Ureña Fernández, Alejandro).

the author responsible for correspondence tasks has been Izaguirre López, Ignacio.