Mesh sensitivity study and optimization of fixed support for ITER torus and cryostat cryoline

Abstract

The torus & cryostat cryoline of ITER cryodistribution system has been designed as per the process specifications. The cryoline is an ensemble of six process pipes, thermal shield, fixed, sliding support and outer jacket. The fixed support (FS), which also acts as the anchor for the bellows, is one of the most important part of the cryoline. The FS has to withstand the static weight of pipes as well as the spring and thrust forces arising from the bellows. The FS design has been optimized for the thermal, structural and for combined loads with thermal optimization criteria; less than 8 Watt at 100 K and less than 1.5 Watt at 4.5 K. ANSYS 10.0 has been used for the analysis and CATIA V5 R16 has been used for the modelling as well as geometry optimization. In order to bring the Von-Mises stress within the acceptable limit of 115 MPa, a detailed mesh sensitivity study has been carried out along with design optimization. The iterative process of mesh refinement continued till stress convergence is achieved. The stress analysis has been carried out for optimized mesh size. The paper will present the design methodology, construction details and the results of the analysis. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.