Structural analysis of the TPX plasma facing components

Abstract

Structural design calculations and finite element analyses of the conceptual designs of the Tokamak Physics Experiment (TPX) divertor and inboard limiter were performed for thermal and electromagnetic induced mechanical loads. Finite element analyses of the divertor and inboard limiter support structures were performed for loads due to halo currents and eddy currents due to a plasma disruption. The results show the conceptual designs satisfy primary stress allowables. A number of scoping studies were performed to evaluate the thermal and structural response of various tile materials and designs for the TPX divertor. The purpose of these studies was to investigate what possible gains would occur if the present design requirements for the heat flux surfaces were eased. The studies were performed for beryllium and various carbon-carbon materials brazed to a dispersion strengthened copper tube. The studies included the effects of a soft copper compliant layer of varying thicknesses interfacing the copper tube and the tile. Elastic-plastic thermal stress analyses were performed of 1D, 2D, and 4D carbon-carbon and beryllium monoblock designs and for a saddleblock design with 1D carbon-carbon. The residual stresses and amount of plastic straining in the copper tube during the braze cycle are accounted for in computing the stress state after the brazing process and during steady state operating conditions.