INITIAL RESULTS FROM THE TESTING OF POTENTIAL ITER INSULATION MATERIALS

Different potential types of insulation for the ITER conductor were investigated with emphasis on testing new materials and those materials not already thoroughly investigated at cryogenic temperatures, which research has shown may be practical. Candidate materials must survive prolonged irradiation, simultaneous high compressive and shear stresses, and have high electrical reliability. The materials chosen are intended to meet the demands of full-scale coil manufacture. Although the current programme does not include irradiation testing, only materials believed to withstand high radiation doses have been selected.