Session: 07-08-02: Multibody Dynamic Systems and Applications II

Paper Number: 145583

145583 - High Fidelity Model of Pipe Bundle Coupling Mechanism in Nuclear Fusion Plant Remote Maintenance 

The maintenance of future nuclear fusion power plants requires the capability to substitute in an efficient and fast way some tube bundles used to transport operating fluid in the blanket area of the tokamak machine.

This requires the capability of ensuring a precise alignment of the complete set of piping in a single operation, in order to keep the maintenance time of the system within limits considered acceptable for the plant.

The design of the alignment system requires a deep analysis of the coupling between the extremity of pipes remaining around the blankets, which are not substituted, and the new ones, which must be posed with high alignment accuracy in order to allow automated welding.

In order to obtain this result a compliant coupling mechanism is forecast, which includes a set of bellows and of male and female cuffs in the coupling area. A secondary alignment system, which can apply forces in a direction transversal to the axis of the pipes can be included.

The actual reliability of the system is strongly influenced by the design of the coupling mechanism, by the stiffness of the bellows, by the shape of the cuffs and by the actuating strategy for the secondary alignment system.

In order to develop the design of the system its high fidelity model is under development, and it was initially disclosed in [1]. The proposed work deepens the development of the model, with a special focus on the modeling of the bellows and of the cuffs.

In particular the improved model introduces a lumped parameter model of the bellow that allows a faster modeling of its dynamic behavior during the first part of coupling operation. The model is obtained considering data provided by the manufacturer, which are integrated with data obtained by finite elements analysis.

Then the model is completed by a non linear one, which considers the effect of anelasticity of the bellows which appear during the final phase of the alignment operation.

Finally as the contact dynamic between male and female cuffs affects the system behavior in the initial phase of the alignment, the influence of local stiffness of the cuffs during this part of the maneuver is analyzed.

The models of the subcomponents described above are used to improve the multibody system of the complete coupling mechanism which was already disclosed in the cited previous work.

The results of the simulation carried out on the components alone and on the complete model are shown and discussed.

 

[1] Troise, Mario, et al. "Analysis and Modeling of the Laser Bore Joint to Prevent Alignment Failures." ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition. Vol. 87639. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2023.

Presenting Author: Mario Troise Politecnico di Torino

Presenting Author Biography: I am Mario Troise, a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering.
My journey in engineering has been driven by a deep curiosity and a desire to make a meaningful impact. For years, I have immersed myself in research, focusing specifically on the remote maintenance of future nuclear power plants. It's a challenging yet crucial area that demands innovation and forward-thinking solutions. My goal is to revolutionize maintenance processes to ensure the safety and efficiency of nuclear facilities, paving the way for sustainable energy production.

Beyond academia, my entrepreneurial spirit has led me to co-found Deplotic, where we are pioneering groundbreaking technologies in aerospace. Our team develops cutting-edge solutions to allow remote maintenance of satellites.
I thrive on solving complex problems and approaching challenges with a fresh perspective.

As I continue on this journey, I remain committed to driving innovation and shaping the future of robotic systems for remote operations. With each step forward, I am driven by the belief that through determination and ingenuity, we can truly make a difference on a global scale.

Authors:

Mario Troise Politecnico di Torino
Martina Ferrauto Politecnico di Torino
Matteo Gaidano Politecnico di Torino
Matteo Melchiorre Politecnico di Torino
Davide Sorli Politecnico di Torino
Stefano Mauro Politecnico di Torino