Study on the welding process of the CTB outbox prototype of ITER

The current study investigated the main welding process of the box. We first performed a simple simulation of the welding process for the four long weld lines on CTB (Coil Terminal Box) outbox by using the finite element analysis mode of SYSWELD. Then a 2 m length mock up box was welded for R&D to optimize the welding parameters and deformation distribution. Base on the R&D experiences, we designed a special tooling of the prototype box which can be used to control the deformation during the welding process. A 8 m length CTB outbox prototype was successfully welded by using double torch automatic MIG (Metal Inert-Gas) welding. The dimension inspection results confirmed that the welding deformation of the box can be controlled within 3 mm on each side. Based on the ultrasonic inspection, all the welding seams met quality level B by standard EN 5817.