Design and structural analysis considerations and methodology used in evaluating the BPX inboard limiter module design

The authors summarize the design and analysis efforts conducted during the conceptual design activities for the Burning Plasma Experiment (BPX) inboard limiter. The key material requirement was that the plasma-facing surface must be carbon with an allowable peak surface temperature of 1700°C. To meet this requirement with a passively cooled design, a relatively thick, high-conductivity plasma-facing material must be used. Reinforced carbon-carbon materials can meet the high thermal conductivity requirements and should have mechanical properties that are adequate to withstand the electromagnetic loadings. The BPX inboard limiter design also requires the capability of in-service replacement and adjustment to align limiter surfaces within ±1 mm using remote maintenance equipment. These requirements, along with the need to minimize the thickness envelope while spanning the vacuum vessel joint connection areas, dictate a modular design approach using a combination carbon-carbon tile and metallic frame. Various analyses were conducted to define the individual carbon-carbon tile and metallic frame shapes and sizes capable of sustaining the severe thermal and electromagnetic induced loadings