Discrete dynamical model of multi-stage twist superconducting cable and prediction of its multilayer stress-strain relationship

Abstract

Superconducting cable is the key function part of the ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor), and exhibits a typical geometrical multi-scale feature. Based on a modified discrete element method, the multi-layer discrete dynamic models that span in 104–105 orders of magnitude that from a spiral superconducting filament to the multi-stage twist cable are established by stepwise twisting process firstly, and their mechanics response under the external load can be successfully predicted by introducing the flexible authorization nonlinear multiple contact models and considering the friction among multi-continuum reasonably. This bottom-up modeling process also presents a useful approach to predict the mechanical properties of continuous complex twist structures with strong nonlinear and partial discrete features.