An integral methodological framework for the thermo-mechanical analysis and structural integrity assessment of the European TBM sets

Abstract

Two European Test Blanket Modules (TBM) concepts are being developed by F4E, the Water-Cooled Lithium Lead (WCLL) and the Helium-Cooled Ceramic Pebbles concept (HCCP, in collaboration with ITER KOREA). For both concepts, the ESTEYCO Mechanics team is responsible for designing and analyzing the TBM-box, which serves as the plasma-facing module for tritium breeding, and the TBM Shield in the WCLL concept. The design-by-analysis activities for these TBM-Sets are particularly challenging due to several factors. These include diverse and complex loads such as thermal, electromagnetic, pressure, and seismic loads, intricate failure modes to be assessed, the use of a new structural material (EUROFER 97) with limited available information, and the need to work within tight compliance margins in a restricted design space. Over the years, ESTEYCO has developed advanced methodologies to virtually test various design solutions systematically, coherently, and efficiently, aligning with the applicable nuclear design code (RCC-MRx). This paper provides an overview of key developments in simulating the TBM-Set under a comprehensive set of loads and subsequently assessing its structural integrity in an exceptionally detailed and comprehensive manner. The authors have created novel automated tools that encompass the entire process. These tools address tasks like distributing nuclear thermal loads, simulating cooling system behavior under operational conditions, characterizing and distributing electromagnetic loads, implementing code assessment rules for numerous evaluation points, and developing robust visualization tools for result analysis and validation.