An integrated model for the assessment of unmitigated fault events in ITER's superconducting magnets

A large amount of energy is stored in ITER superconducting magnet system. Faults which initiate a discharge are typically mitigated to quickly transfer away the stored magnetic energy for dissipation through a bank of resistors. In an extreme unlikely occurrence, an unmitigated fault event represents a potentially severe discharge of energy into the coils and the surrounding structure. A new simulation tool has been developed for the detailed study of these unmitigated fault events. The tool integrates: the propagation of multiple quench fronts initiated by an initial fault or by subsequent coil heating; the 3D convection and conduction of heat through the magnet structure; the 3D conduction of current and Ohmic heating both along the conductor and via alternate pathways generated by arcing or material melt. Arcs linking broken sections of conductor or separate turns are simulated with a new unconstrained arc model to balance electrical current paths and heat generation within the arc column in the multi-physics model. The influence under the high Lorenz forces present is taken into account. Simulation results for an unmitigated fault in a poloidal field coil are presented. Crown Copyright (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.