Elastic-Plastic Analysis of Slender First Wall Structures^a

Several current fusion first wall designs consist of slender channels. This type of structure may be analysed by describing the bending behavior using a thin member theory and solving the relevant boundary value problem for the axial stresses due to the end conditions and the axial load variations. Analytical and finite element models are presented here that can treat a range of shapes and end constraints, have been implemented on microcomputers, and may be fast and cost-effective tools for preliminary design. Representative first wall designs are analyzed, illustrating the complex and important influence of irradiation creep.