Structural analysis of a superconducting central solenoid for the Tokamak Physics Experiment

The Tokamak Physics Experiment (TPX) concept design uses superconducting coils to accomplish magnetic confinement. The central solenoid (CS) magnet is divided vertically into 8 equal segments which are powered independently. The eddy current heating from the pulsed operation is too high for a case type construction; therefore, a 'no case' design has been chosen. This no case design uses the conductor conduit as the primary structure and the electrical insulation as a structural adhesive. This electrical insulation is the 'weak link' in the coil winding pack structure and needs to be modeled in detail. A global finite element model with smeared winding pack properties was used to study the CS magnet structural behavior. The structural analysis results and peak stresses will be presented.