A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Rome Tor Vergata has been published in Fusion Engineering and Design, presenting an advanced methodology for validating the deformation of the Vacuum Vessel Thermal Shield (VVTS) through finite element analysis and morphing techniques.

Title: Validation of vacuum vessel thermal shield deformation via finite elements and morphing techniques based analysis
Authors: Edoardo Pompa, Pierric Leonard, Tudorel Popa, Luigi Reccia, Marco E. Biancolini, Gabriele D’Amico, Francisco J. Fuentes

The VVTS plays a critical role in maintaining the thermal integrity of superconducting magnets by minimizing heat loads inside the cryostat. Ensuring proper clearance between the VVTS, Toroidal Field Coils (TFC), and the Vacuum Vessel (VV) is essential for the stability and performance of the system. This study evaluates different morphing techniques applied to finite element simulations to support the validation of measurement strategies used during the assembly phase.

Key Findings:

• The study demonstrates the effectiveness of morphing techniques in accurately reconstructing the deformed shape of the VVTS based on limited as-built data.
• The analysis highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate morphing methodology to minimize deviations in critical areas.
• A systematic comparison of different techniques shows variations in accuracy, particularly in regions where clearance constraints are more stringent.

This research was conducted within the framework of Fusion for Energy, the European consortium dedicated to advancing fusion energy research. The findings contribute to the ongoing development of methodologies for assembly validation in fusion reactor components, supporting the broader objective of improving the reliability and efficiency of fusion energy systems.

The full study is available on ScienceDirect: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0920379625001383?dgcid=coauthor