Development of a structural support system for the experimental power reactor

Two conceptual structural designs for a Tokamak Experimental Power Reactor (TEPR) have been developed and analyzed. These two concepts, a torque frame and a torque shell, were developed for comparison purposes. They differ primarily in their method of restraining the large lateral forces induced on the toroidal field coils. Access and maintenance requirements for the blanket and shield, limiting of eddy currents, material comparisons and cost of design, fabrication, and erection were addressed. Design layouts were made and structural analysis performed to determine sizes, weights and access envelopes. The concepts were then presented to fabricators of large structures and ROM (rough order of magnitude) costs were determined. The Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) Experimental Power Reactor design and loading conditions were used as a basis for this study