Structural Analysis of the NCSX Vacuum Vessel

Abstract

The NCSX vacuum vessel has a rather unique shape being very closely coupled topologically to the threefold stellerator symmetry of the plasma it contains. This shape does not permit the use of the common forms of pressure vessel analysis and necessitates the reliance on finite element analysis. The current paper describes the NCSX vacuum vessel stress analysis including external pressure, thermal, and electromagnetic loading from internal plasma disruptions and bakeout temperatures of up to 400 degrees centigrade. Buckling and dynamic loading conditions are also considered.

Intellectual Scaffolding: On Peter Dahlgren's Theorization of Television and the Public Sphere

“…It is in the spirit of the latter definition that Peter Dahlgren (2004) writes about the role of theory as 'intellectual scaffolding':…”

“…He also brings forth the idea of multiple public spheres and emphasizes the increasingly blurring boundaries of the public and the private. He recognizes the importance of popular culture in television and advocates utilization and combination of the 'culturalists' (Dahlgren's term for cultural studies oriented) perspectives with the more traditional social sciences oriented views to the thematics television and the public sphere; this is a parallel to his ideas of interlinking political science, public sphere and culturalist approaches (Dahlgren 2004). …”