Carlo Tuccari
PhD thesis title: Modelling material erosion and migration in magnetic confinement fusion: from linear device experiments to predictive studies for tokamak design
Academic Tutor: David Dellasega
Academic Supervisor: Matteo Passoni
Affiliate external company or research group: Eni S.p.A.
PhD cycle: 40° (see all student profiles of the same cycle > LINK)
BSc: Ingegneria Energetica, Politecnico di Milano
MSc: Nuclear Engineering, Politecnico di Milano
I had the opportunity to spend three months at Forschungszentrum Julich, Germany, to spend time with the group of developers of the ERO2.0 code, which is the most important tool in my research.
Thesis abstract
My research contributes to plasma-wall interaction (PWI) studies in the field of magnetic confinement nuclear fusion, with a focus on numerical modelling. Through the 3D Monte Carlo code ERO2.0, my goal is to investigate the erosion of solid surfaces exposed to plasma and the subsequent migration of eroded impurities within magnetic confinement devices, assessing how these processes may affect wall lifetime and plasma performance. The versatility of the code allows me to study a wide range of cases, spanning from the interpretation of specific PWI experiments in linear devices to predictive estimates for reactor-like tokamak scenarios.
Personal interest in my research theme
With global energy demand rising and concerns over climate change becoming increasingly urgent, developing clean and reliable energy sources is essential. Nuclear fusion is especially promising because of its high energy density, low-carbon potential and broadly available fuel resources. However, turning it into a practical power source still requires major scientific and technological advances, including a better understanding of the plasma-wall interaction issue. Contributing to this effort is therefore both intellectually stimulating and potentially valuable for society.
