The use of digital mock-ups on the development of the Divertor Test Platform 2

The divertor test platform 2 (DTP2) is a full scale physical test facility intended for testing, demonstrating and refining the remote handling (RH) equipment designs with prototypes which will define the final specifications for call for tenders of ITER RH devices. The facility will also be used for training future ITER RH operators. Digital mock-ups have been extensively used for providing the reference design and manufacturing support of the cassette multi-functional mover, its assisting manipulator and other tooling. Despite DTP2 not being yet fully operational, digital mock-ups of DTP2 and its equipment, together with real-time dynamic simulation models, have been employed to perform studies and designs which will reduce the time needed for the integration and commissioning of new RH equipment delivered to the site. The use of digital mock-ups is currently being used for planning and verifying (in a 3D environment) task procedures of future RH test trials; developing and testing control software and hardware, and graphical user interfaces: estimating the duration of the different RH tasks and to obtain a realistic range of capable motions and speeds of the devices. During DTP2 operations, digital mock-ups will still be employed for improving, optimizing and validating test procedures; assess the difficulty and fatigue experienced by the operators; gather technical specifications for designs and procurements of new RH equipment. The final goal is to produce a complete digital mock-up of the divertor region and its RH equipment, including operations and tasks procedures. Due to the large amount of devices and operations to be tested at DTP2, a product lifecycle management (PLM) system and a Manufacturing Hub are being put into operation. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.