Transverse Load Versus Mechanical Characteristics and Inter-Strand Resistances in the Cable of the “Option 2” Specification for ITER TF Conductor

A revised specification of ITER TF conductor was proposed as "Option2" for the baseline design. The cabling pitches of early stages and the void fraction were adjusted in the consequence of previous R&D programs to improve the degradation of performance against cyclic current loadings in the magnetic field. To obtain the characteristics of the developed design, which are related to the effect of the electromagnetic load, the mechanical parameters and the contact resistances between components of cable were investigated employing a specially developed device of cryogenic press in the transverse direction for a short sample of the conductor cable. Through the measurements, the mechanical characteristics against the cyclic loads were discussed, as well as the effect on inter-strand resistances, according to the cable design.