Analyses of the ITER vacuum vessel with the use of a new modelling technique

The on-going design development of the ITER vacuum vessel (VV) has been supported and accompanied recently by extensive analytical studies of its different structural aspects. The use of a newly developed parametric model of the ITER VV sector with port structures has enabled various detailed assessments of this structure. Implementation of new features in the model and new approach for its generation has eased updates and modifications of the model, reducing the time necessary to introduce them into the model and allowing it to keep pace with discussions on planned design changes.