R&D of Qualification Tests of the Key Components for ITER Magnet Supports at SWIP

Abstract

The ITER magnet supports (MS) consist of toroidal field (TF) gravity supports (GS), poloidal field (PF) supports and correction coils (CC) supports. R&D of the qualification tests of their key components is an urgent work for the final fabrication of the MS. In this article, we summarize the recent progress of the qualification task for the MS, including the design of a test model, which is used to inspect the loads' effect on the new GS structure and methods to qualify heat exchange efficiency of the thermal anchor; the experiment preparation of full-size fasteners and the modifications of a tensile tester. A design of the test model is proposed to simulate the GS loading in order to confirm the high engineering reliability of the new designed GS with clamp bolts. The test methods of the heat exchange for the attachment of the thermal anchor (cooling pipe), which ensure sufficient thermal contact with the GS and lowest the risk of leaks, are discussed. In order to qualify fasteners for the structural integrity under preload at room temperature and 77 K, R&D of verification tests for full-size fasteners is discussed. In addition, a modification of a conventional tensile tester for testing the property of the MS material at cryogenic temperature is described.