Ignitor double-null configuration: electromagnetic, thermal and structural analysis with integrated FEM models

The Ignitor machine is based on an axisymmetric confinement configuration designed to produce high plasma currents. In order to reach the nominal plasma parameters, optimized magnetic configurations with elongated plasma cross sections have to be obtained. A double null plasma shape has been developed for the purpose of identifying configuration requirements and analyzing the load assembly structural stresses. The overall electromagnetic, thermal and structural analysis of the machine configuration has been carried out using FEM models, 2D for electromagnetic and 3D for thermal and structural calculations, which takes into account an accurate description of geometry and materials of each component. In such a sequence of different analyses several FEM models are integrated and linked: common data files with all input entities (geometrical, materials, currents) are available to each FEM model. The output results files are printed in common directories and structured to be directly read or imported by the other FEM models. The whole process is fully automatic and doesn't need any data handling. It is possible in this way to interface different meshes in the same working environment (ANSYS), each aimed at its own calculation and detail. In the present work these points are taken into account and a complete electromagnetic, thermal and mechanical analysis for Ignitor double-null configuration has been done.