Evolution of the Design of Cold Mass Support for the ITER Magnet Feeder System

Abstract

This paper presents the evolution of the design of cold mass support for the ITER magnet feeder system. The glass fibers in the cylinder and the flanges of the normal G10 support are discontinuous in the preliminary design. The heat load of this support from the analysis is only 4.86 W. However, the mechanical test of the prototype showed that it can only endure 9 kN lateral force, which is significantly less than the required 20 kN. So, the configuration of the glass fibers in the cylinders and flanges of this G10 support are modified by changing it to a continuous and knitted type to reinforce the support, and then a new improved prototype is manufactured and tested. It could endure 15 kN lateral forces this time, but still not meet the required 20 kN. Finally, the SS316LN material is chosen for the cold mass supports. The analysis results show that it is safe under 20 kN lateral forces with the heat load increased to 14.8 W. Considering the practical application, the requirements of strength is of primary importance. So, this SS316LN cold mass support is acceptable for the ITER magnet feeder system. On the other hand, the design idea of using continuous and knitted glass fibers to reinforce the strength of a G10 support is a good reference for the case with a lower heat load and not too high Lorentz force.