Stability estimations and quench simulations for the ITER conductors

Quench simulations and stability estimations for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) are discussed. Especially numerical issues and associated benchmark actions are summarized. Satisfactory agreement between the various codes from the 4 ITER parties is now obtained after numerical convergence problems have been resolved. However, these require confirmation by experiments on relevant conductor geometries. In multistage cables, a non-uniform current distribution within the cable affects the stability of the conductor. A possible mechanism for the non-uniform distribution is flux loops between the strands or cable substages as the current is ramped up or down. A preliminary estimation of stability with non-uniform current distribution is also discussed