Focus on F4E’s Analysis and Codes Group
Example of the A&C Groups’ models for analysis: Finite Element Model (FEM) of the Vacuum Vessel, ports and superconducting magnets system
The main mission of the Analysis and Codes Group is to provide expertise and computational analysis support to the ITER department over a broad range of engineering fields during the preparation and the follow-up of the main F4E contracts. The Group analyses and does technical assessments in the major project engineering fields: electromagnetism, structural analysis of mechanical components and civil engineering structures including earthquake engineering and extreme dynamic loads, neutronics and thermo-hydraulics. These capabilities are essential to quickly identify solutions to the technical problems that F4E faces during the procurement process of the ITER components.
While the Analysis and Codes Group implements the analysis with in-house resources, external suppliers are also used - the Group then has a technical management role towards the external suppliers. The 2010 budget for analysis to be carried out by external contractors is approximately 2.8 million EUR.
The main companies awarded analysis framework contracts are the Iberdrola Consortium (Natec Ingenieros, Elytt) and SRS (mechanical analysis), IDOM (structural analysis in the area of civil engineering), Create and LT Calcoli (electromagnetics) and CCFE and MILLENNIUM (neutronics).
The work within the field of neutronics also includes the improvement and update of nuclear data files, mainly in order to support Test Blanket Modules (TBM) and Broader Approach (IFMIF) activities. In addition, nuclear data experiments for validation are carried out and measurement techniques are developed (the budget for 2010 is 0.3 million EUR).
The Analysis and Codes Group is also in charge of following the developments and the application of standard codes (e.g. ASME, RCC-MR) in the design of the key ITER components. With a budget of 0.6 million for 2010, the work focuses on tracking international codes and standards for analyses and design of mechanical systems, assessing and following up of notified body, and inspection entities.
ANSYS model developed by IDOM and used for the seismic analysis and the structural optimisation of the ITER tokamak complex |
F4E’s Analysis and Codes Group |
