Photoelastic analyses of stresses in toroidal magnetic field coils
Several two-dimensional photoelastic stress analyses were made on models of circular and oval toroidal magnetic field coils for fusion reactors. The circumferential variation of each coil's in-plane magnetic force was simulated by applying different pressures to 16 segmented regions of the inner surface of the models. One special loading fixture was used for the model of each shape and size. Birefringence and isoclinic angles were measured in a transmission polariscope at selected points on the loaded model. Boundary stresses in the cases of known boundary conditions were determined directly from the isochromatics. Separate principal stresses were calculated using the combination of photoelastic information and isopachic data obtained by the electrical analogy method from the solution of Laplace's equation. Comparisons were made between experimental results and those computed using the finite element method. The stress distribution between theoretical and experimental agrees very well, although the finite element method yielded slightly higher stresses than the photoelastic method; further work is needed to resolve this difference. In this investigation several variations of coil geometry and methods of support were evaluated. Based on experimental results, optimum structural designs of toroidal field coils were recommended.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 7304354
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL/TM-5724; TRN: 77-010028
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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GENERAL PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNETS
STRESS ANALYSIS
THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS
BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
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MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
PHOTOELASTICITY
STRESSES
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ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
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