Structural Assessment of the DTT Cryostat Design

Abstract

The article presents the status of DTT cryostat system and illustrates the structural verification activities performed to assess its mechanical response under various design load combinations. To this purpose, an FEM shell model of the cryostat has been developed including mechanical loads on the cryostat base due to Vacuum Vessel and Magnets, modeled as equivalent point mass. Anchoring of the base columns to the Tokamak basements has also been modeled. To verify the cryostat design, simulations have been carried out for the most critical VDEs and seismic load combinations. In addition, thermo-mechanical effects induced by both Vacuum Vessel and Magnets, on the cryostat base, have been investigated, for plasma operation and baking conditions. Further, buckling condition, under external pressure, and accidental overpressure conditions, have also been investigated.