An overview of the Tokamak Physics Experiment vacuum vessel preliminary design

The mission of the Tokamak Physics Experiment (TPX) Project is to develop the scientific basis for a compact and continuously operating tokamak fusion reactor. The vacuum vessel, which consists of a double walled torus, ports and supports, is a major element of the TPX machine. This paper provides an overview of the vacuum vessel preliminary design work. The design of the vacuum vessel is being carried out by an industrial team under subcontract to the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. The respective work scopes of this team are discussed. The role of concurrent engineering is presented in the context of this design-build subcontract. A discussion of the engineering requirements, material selection rationale and vacuum vessel configuration is provided. Titanium 6AL-4V will be used to fabricate the vacuum vessel. Significant material concerns were identified with the use of titanium; hydrogen embrittlement and the effects of borated water were the major issues. A research and development (R&D) program was established to resolve these material issues as well as to develop the vessel weld details. A comprehensive analytical effort was established to perform the structural and thermal analysis of the vessel. Design details of the vessel, supports, ports, and flanges are presented