On a scenario assessment tool for the operation of the JT-60SA superconducting tokamak

• Published in: Fusion engineering and design Vol. 88; no. 9-10; pp. 1546 - 1550
• Main Authors: Tomarchio, Valerio, Barabaschi, Pietro, Verrecchia, Mario
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.10.2013
• Subjects: Assessments; Complement; Electromagnetic forces; Finite element method; Funding; Governments; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Plasma scenario; Series (mathematics); Software tool; Superconductivity; Tokamak; Tokamak devices; Tokamak; Plasma scenario; Software tool; Electromagnetic forces
• ISSN: 0920-3796; 1873-7196
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fusengdes.2013.01.034

► A software tool to quickly assess the structural performance of modern tokamaks is presented. ► The tool combines finite element results in real time to provide the user with net forces and force per unit length distributions on the tokamak coils. ► The mathematical formulation of the tool is explained and formally reported. ► The tool is meant to be used for the JT-60SA tokamak, but its use can be easily extended to other tokamaks. ► The structure of the supporting data files is provided. JT-60SA is a superconducting tokamak to be assembled and operated at the JAEA laboratories in Naka (Japan). The tokamak is designed, manufactured and operated under the funding of the Broader Approach Agreement (between the government of Japan and the European Commission) and of the Japan Fusion National Programme; JT-60SA aims to prepare, support and complement the ITER experimental programme. The European contribution to the JT-60SA is, for a large fraction, procured by France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Belgium. This paper summarizes the activities carried out at F4E to develop a user-friendly software tool able to assess in real-time if an operational scenario could be structurally withstood by the magnet system of JT-60SA. Such tool is based on a theoretical formulation which is supported by a series of dedicated finite element method (FEM) calculations, and is able to provide a comparative assessment of any candidate scenario with respect to the baseline scenarios, and a quantitative assessment of all electro magnetic (EM) forces acting on the magnet system at any time during the candidate scenario. The tool as it is presented is specifically designed to be used for the JT-60SA tokamak, though it is designed so to that its usage could be extended easily to any other tokamak.