Fabricating the TF Return Shell
TF shell has three parts: upper half, middle, and lower
Preform will be vacuum vessel - no cutouts or ports costed
Vacuum vessel will be 0.5 in. (1.25 cm) 5052 or 5002 aluminum plate for low resistance and ease of welding, and will serve as a form for spray casting
Individual vacuum vessel segments (e.g. 30 orange slices, 15 m x 2 m for upper half) will be bump formed into shape and welded
- Remainder of TF shell thickness (0.5 to 2.5 m) will be spray cast to final shape and thickness
- Flanges and other features can be spray cast
- Stainless steel coolant tubes will be embedded in spray cast material
thick shell cross-section