Analysis of the magnet support structure for the plasma fusion experiment Wendelstein 7-X

The world’s largest plasma fusion experimental device of the stellarator family named Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) [] is being built at the Max-Planck-Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) in Greifswald, Germany. The mission of the experiment is to prove the fusion reactor relevance of the stellarator principle . Main subject of this paper is the description of the numerical simulation of the highly complex and multiple nonlinear W7-X magnet system structure with the code ADINA. This code was chosen right from the start of the project and has later been used in parallel with the subsequently installed ANSYS and ABAQUS codes until now. The ADINA W7-X global structure model is the result of a long term R&D work on the superconducting coils and related support structure optimization. Despite the fact that W7-X is already in the assembly phase, there are still large structural analysis efforts going on. Their aim is to accompany the machine construction by evaluating specific assembly issues, non-conformities and design changes, but also to evaluate the operational limits of the experimental device which in many respects is an absolute prototype worldwide.