(50% Seminar) Modelling of runaway electron induced damage of plasma facing components in fusion reactors

Modelling of runaway electron (RE)-induced damage on plasma-facing components (PFCs) in fusion reactors is a critical challenge for the integrity of current and future tokamaks. Experimental evidences from facilities such as DIII-D, WEST or JET have demonstrated that RE impacts produce volumetric energy deposition beneath the surface, leading to explosive material detachment, fragmentation, and debris generation. The presentation reviews recent advances in developing a modelling workflow that couples Monte Carlo particle transport (GEANT4), finite element simulations (COMSOL, LS-DYNA), and mesh-free methods (SPH) to capture thermal, thermo-mechanical, and fragmentation responses of both brittle (graphite, BN) and metallic (tungsten) PFCs. Validations of these models is achieved through controlled experiments while predictive studies for future machines such as ITER and SPARC are highlighted. The sensitivity to RE impact parameters, magnetic field configurations, and material properties is shown. The work outlines progress toward comprehensive predictive models that integrate experimental input with advanced simulation methods, aiming to improve reactor design and mitigation strategies against RE-induced damage.