We are pleased to announce the publication of our latest research, “Advanced Thermo-Structural Optimization of the Vacuum Barrier for EU DEMO Feeders,” by Corrado Groth, Andrea Chiappa, and Marco Evangelos Biancolini, now available in Science Direct.

Conducted in collaboration with the University of Rome Tor Vergata and EUROfusion, this study addresses key engineering challenges in fusion energy technology, focusing on the vacuum barrier (VB)—a critical component within the EU DEMO reactor’s feeder system.

The VB serves to separate the main cryostat vacuum from the feeder vacuum, ensuring thermal insulation and facilitating maintenance while withstanding pressure variations and mechanical loads.

This research introduces an innovative optimization approach, utilizing Radial Basis Functions (RBF)-based mesh morphing through Ansys RBF Morph Structures. By integrating thermo-structural simulations with response surface optimization, the study identifies an optimal VB configuration that enhances both mechanical strength and thermal efficiency.

The results contribute to the advancement of fusion reactor technology, offering valuable insights for the future development of sustainable fusion energy solutions.

🔗 Read the full paper here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0920379625001073?dgcid=coauthor