Validation of the CEA electrical network model for the ITER coils

Within the framework of the studies for the superconducting magnets of the International Tokamak Experimental Reactor ITER) project, we have developed an electrical network model for simulating the behavior of a full conductor length (including the joints) under DC operation. The analysis of the tests of three different European full-size (conductor and joint) samples gave us the opportunity to improve and validate our model. The adjustment of the free parameters used in the model to fit the experimental voltage/current characteristics led us to the effective values of the strain in the Nb3Sn filaments. We have found that the two steel jacketed conductors showed lower strain than expected, while the Incoloy jacketed conductor showed higher strain than expected, although remaining lower than the steel conductors. Similar results have been found on the joints of these samples.