Application of high-performance aerogel insulating materials (analysis & test results)

The NCSX stellarator core design is built around a 3-period, highly shaped plasma with an assembly of four magnet systems, the TF coils (TF), the Modular Coils (MC), the PF Coils (PF), and the Trim Coils, that surrounds an all welded Vacuum Vessel (VV). The VV features approximately 100 ports for heating, pumping, diagnostics, and maintenance access. The entire system is surrounded by a cryostat to permit operation of the coils at liquid nitrogen temperature. The VV and coils are assembled in 120° segments. The VV segments must be placed inside the MC by sliding the coils over each end of the vessel subassembly. Installation of the port extensions is done after this operation. They are slipped through access holes in the MC onto port stubs and welded on from inside. Figures 1 & 2 illustrate the assembly of the MC over a VV section and installation of TF and port extensions to complete a sector of the VV.