Convergence of Design and Fabrication Methods for ITER Vacuum Vessel and In-vessel Components

Abstract. The design of the vacuum vessel (VV) and in-vessel components has progressed since 2001, and several design improvements are summarized in this paper. One of the most critical items is to select the fabrication methods for the VV and to achieve the required tolerances. The fabrication methods have been studied and the VV R&D has been performed to demonstrate the achievable fabrication tolerances. Recently, new R&D has been started in order to fabricate full-scale partial VV models with blanket support housings and keys to establish the fabrication methods and to confirm the achievable tolerances. 1