The mechanical structure of the Joint European Torus
Abstract
The mechanical structure of the Joint European Torus (JET) is designed to resist with suitable stiffness the large azimuthal forces acting on the 32 toroidal-field coils. Due to the limited space available the structure is designed as a thin closed shell giving a maximum torsional rigidity with a minimum of material thickness. Externally the structure consists of a thin shell surrounding the toroidal magnet. The shell is attached at top and bottom to two disk-shaped rings which are provided with side supports for the coils. Along the inner straight portion, the coils are supported by a grooved cylinder which is attached to the upper and lower rings. To facilitate assembly and maintenance the structure is divided into eight identical sectors. Insulation gaps have been provided between sectors to reduce eddy currents and allow for the penetration of the poloidal field through the structure. One of the major problems is the design of the connections between sectors. A combination of insulated bolts and keys has been provided to resist the very high shear loads.
- Publication:
-
9th Symposium on Fusion Technology
- Pub Date:
- 1976
- Bibcode:
- 1976syft.proc..257H
- Keywords:
-
- Field Coils;
- Metal Shells;
- Reactor Technology;
- Thin Walled Shells;
- Toroidal Shells;
- Cylindrical Shells;
- Deflection;
- Energy Technology;
- Ring Structures;
- Stress Distribution;
- Structural Design Criteria;
- Plasma Physics