Peridynamic Thermo-Mechanical Modeling of Cracking in Tungsten under Fusion-Relevant Heat Fluxes
Plasma-facing materials (PFMs) are the primary armor materials in fusion reactors, protecting reactor wall components from extreme heat fluxes, energetic particles, and intense neutron irradiation. These harsh conditions induce thermo-mechanical stresses, irradiation damage, and overall degradation in PFMs. Among these, thermo-mechanical damage induced by extreme heat flux is one of the key factors limiting the lifetime of PFMs. We present a modeling and simulation approach for predicting thermo-mechanical cracking and damage in tungsten, a leading PFM candidate, under fusion-reactor-relevant heat fluxes. Specifically, we study damage induced by cyclic electron beam (e-beam) exposure under different combinations of base temperature and heat flux. We carry out component-scale thermo-mechanical simulations using CabanaPD, a peridynamics fracture mechanics code, informed by experimental data for recrystallized pure tungsten from the JUDITH e-beam facility. The simulations compare well with the experimental classification and enable identification of cracking thresholds across a range of heat fluxes and base temperatures. These predictions can provide detailed insights into the spatial distribution and temporal accumulation of cracks and damage, while offering a pathway for screening candidate PFMs and quantifying their lifespan under fusion-relevant conditions.