Overview of the ITER conceptual design activities

The cooperative activities of the Conceptual Design Phase of ITER were completed at the end of 1990. The design of ITER is based upon the scientific knowledge derived from the operation of dozens of tokamaks around the world and upon technical know-how flowing from the extensive technology R and D programmes of the four Parties. In order to validate the technical basis and assumptions for the ITER design, R and D work is conducted in both physics and technology. A single and consistent concept of ITER has been developed, giving a tokamak machine with a major and minor radius of 6.0 m and 2.15 m, respectively. In order to achieve its objectives, ITER is envisaged to be operated in phases: A Physics Phase and a Technology Phase. Based on the results of the Conceptual Design Phase, the phases for follow-on engineering design activities, including those for supportive R and D to be conducted, have been developed. (orig.)