Mechanical analysis of the PF1 feeder for ITER

The ITER experimental device contains very powerful superconducting magnets operated at cryogenic temperatures to generate and control the deuterium–tritium plasma for thermo-nuclear fusion. The function of the feeders is to convey the cryogenic supply and electrical power through the warm-cold barrier to ITER magnets. Due to the complexity of the structure and working conditions, a global mechanical analysis is required to have simulation information to check the structural reliability of the design. Electromagnetic force analysis of PF1 feeder for further mechanical analysis was calculated under the worst scenarios with the maximum working current in every coil. Mechanical analysis model was built using the finite element software ANSYS. The structural performance of the PF1 feeder was analyzed. The numerical simulation results show that the design of the PF1 feeder is feasible.

► ITER magnet system analysis model has been established, and Lorentz force on the busbar in the worst scenarios with the maximum working current in every coil was obtained from this analysis. It can be used for guiding busbar support design and further structure analysis.
► Although the PF1 feeder geometrical model is very complicated, the reasonable finite element model has been built.
► The global mechanical analysis has been performed under three typical working conditions.
► Primary stresses and secondary stresses have been acquired, the maximum stresses are below the criteria of ASME and the displacements are acceptable.