Construction of the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor

The TFTR construction project is reviewed in three significant phases - Conceptual/Preliminary Design; Final Design/Procurement; and Installation/Assembly. Project organization and responsibilities of major participants are described. A brief discussion on management systems and control including Budgets, Schedules, Costs and Funding is followed by a description of the initial phase of the project highlighting key design issues, engineering tradeoffs, and related research and development programs. Discussion of the Final Design/Procurement Phase focuses on engineering evolution and design changes including selected component problems. The Installation/Assembly Phase of TFTR is described in its significant operations including assembly plans and methods; the role of craft labor in construction of the device; and the problems inherent in large component-close tolerance construction.