BPX TF coil finite element analysis

Abstract

Finite element analysis (FEA) technology was used to simulate and study the integrity of the BPX (Burning Plasma Experiment) toroidal field (TF) coil structure. Distinctive features of the various models are described as well as electromagnetic loads, thermal, and nuclear heating profiles. A series of FEA simulations of the TF coil was developed from the original scoping models, to the present more elaborate design phase models, with relative ease. The largest model, the Level II, runs on the CRAY2 in less than 700 CPU secs in the geometric nonlinear mode. This model is composed of 80 CQUAD, 569 GAP, 1568 HEXA, and 80 PENTA elements with 3320 nodal points. Comparison of the various overall results from Level I to Level II shows that the models predict the same general TF coil core and case structural behavior. therefore, using this study strategy is highly recommended for future tokamak devices since a scoping model can be developed to examine various coil/case options quickly. >