Additive Manufacture of Novel Tungsten Wicking and Heat Transfer Structures
Additive manufacturing (AM) is utilized for fabricating complex geometries from refractory metals, such as tungsten and molybdenum. In this study, plates with ultra-fine and fine lattice structures were manufactured from tungsten to demonstrate printability and the component fabrication advantages of AM. Previous work was completed on individual tungsten lattice structures; this work demonstrates the advantages of printing these structures on tubing and first-wall materials. Initial work using stainless steel demonstrated increased heat transfer properties promoted by these lattice structures. Applications for these structures include wicking structures, heat pipes, and first-wall materials in fusion devices. A major advantage of these designs is the capability to produce a monolithic component with tailored heat transfer and wicking properties. This research helps promote the ability to use liquid lithium in fusion devices since these lattice structures manufactured from tungsten could act as a high temperature first-wall or divertor material and as a wicking structure for liquid lithium. Different lattice structures with varying unit cell sizes and strut thicknesses were printed and the effects of these structures on heat transfer properties were measured. Abrasion resistance of these structures was also investigated. This presentation will discuss the results of these experiments and their implications related to heat transfer applications. This work will help inform the development and implementation of complex geometries made from tungsten for future heat pipe and fusion first-wall or divertor component designs.