ITER nuclear components, preparing for the construction and R and D results

Progress has been made in the preparation of the procurement specifications for key nuclear components of ITER. Detailed design of the vacuum vessel (VV) and in-vessel components is being performed to consider fabrication methods and non-destructive tests (NDT). R and D activities are being carried out on vacuum vessel UT inspection with waves launched at an angle of 20 deg. or 30 deg. , on flow distribution tests of a two-channel model, on fabrication and testing of FW mock-ups and panels, on the blanket flexible support as a complete system including the housing, on the blanket co-axial pipe connection with guard vacuum for leak detection, and on divertor vertical target prototypes. The results give confidence in the validity of the design and identify possibilities of attractive alternate fabrication methods