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 vertical 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 installation as a structural adhesive. This electrical insulation is the “weak link” in the cell winding pack structure. 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