Finite element modeling of the ITER superconducting cables mechanical behaviour using LS-DYNA code

Superconducting cables are one of the key technical solutions used for generation of strong magnetic field in modern tokamaks. It is very important for engineers to be able to predict the mechanical deformations of superconducting cables because superconductivity depends on strains, temperature and magnetic field. Superconducting cables for ITER the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor [1] currently under construction, have a complex structure that makes any analytical estimations hardly applicable. This paper presents the application of LS-DYNA [2] finite element code to the solution of different mechanical problems for ITER superconducts. Stretching, twisting and transverse compression are considered and results are compared with analytical estimations where possible.