Strategies of Numerical Modeling in Component Development for Fusion Devices

The development of components for fusion devices includes numerous simulations to validate their design compatibility with specified loads according to applicable codes and standards. The strategy of multifield finite element analyses is determined by the iterative nature of the design process. The level of structural complexity dictates the analytical approaches and modeling techniques. Even though nowadays powerful software exploiting the performance of modern computers allows structures to be simulated in a very detailed way, direct meshing of CAD models with all their complexity is often not beneficial for nonlinear and multifield analyses. Reasonable modeling simplifications, submodeling, and integration with analytical modeling and testing can optimize the analysis process. This paper gives examples of simplified modeling for engineering purposes with a clear understanding of the analysis goal and the role of simulations in the design process, such as for the W7-X stellarator busbar system. Engineering methods to perform multifield analyses including electromagnetic transients for ITER diagnostic port plug components are also presented. An engineering material model is discussed for calculating the superconducting coil steel structures operating in the inelastic range.