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Parametric Thermal and Flow Analysis of ITER Diagnostic Shield Module

A. Khodak, Y. Zhai, W. Wang, R. Feder, G. Loesser, D. Johnson

Fusion Science and Technology / Volume 72 / Number 3 / October 2017 / Pages 271-277

Technical Paper / dx.doi.org/10.1080/15361055.2017.1330638

Received:September 7, 2016
Accepted:February 14, 2017
Published:August 25, 2017

As part of the diagnostic port plug assembly, the ITER Diagnostic Shield Module (DSM) is designed to provide mechanical support and the plasma shielding while allowing access to plasma diagnostics. Thermal and hydraulic analysis of the DSM was performed using a conjugate heat transfer approach, in which heat transfer was resolved in both solid and liquid parts, and simultaneously, fluid dynamics analysis was performed only in the liquid part. ITER Diagnostic First Wall (DFW) and cooling tubing were also included in the analysis. This allowed direct modeling of the interface between DSM and DFW, and also direct assessment of the coolant flow distribution between the parts of DSM and DFW to ensure DSM design meets the DFW cooling requirements. Design of the DSM included voids filled with Boron Carbide pellets, allowing weight reduction while keeping shielding capability of the DSM. These voids were modeled as a continuous solid with smeared material properties using analytical relation for thermal conductivity. Results of the analysis lead to design modifications improving heat transfer efficiency of the DSM. Effect of design modifications on thermal performance as well as effect of Boron Carbide will be presented.