A novel analytical solution has been formulated to precisely predict the dynamic structural response of tokamak machines during axisymmetric plasma disruptions. This method addresses the significant mechanical stresses induced by the rapid loss of plasma confinement, which can lead to substantial electromagnetic forces acting on the tokamak's vacuum vessel and surrounding structures. The developed model offers a computationally efficient alternative to complex finite element analyses, enabling faster assessment of disruption impacts on machine integrity and operational safety.

Plasma disruptions, characterized by a sudden and violent termination of the plasma discharge, generate transient eddy currents within the conductive components of a tokamak. These currents interact with the magnetic fields, resulting in Lorentz forces that can exert immense pressure on the machine's structure. Understanding and quantifying these forces are critical for designing robust tokamak systems capable of withstanding such events, particularly for future fusion power plants like ITER.

Plasma disruptions, characterized by a sudden and violent termination of the plasma discharge, generate transient eddy currents within the conductive components of a tokamak.

Previous studies have relied on numerical simulations to model disruption-induced forces, which can be time-consuming and require significant computational resources. The new analytical approach provides a closed-form solution, allowing for rapid estimation of displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the vacuum vessel. This is crucial for real-time disruption mitigation strategies and for optimizing the mechanical design of next-generation fusion devices.

The analytical solution considers the electromagnetic coupling between the plasma current decay and the induced eddy currents in the vacuum vessel. It also accounts for the mechanical properties of the vessel, including its stiffness and damping characteristics. By simplifying the complex physics involved, the model facilitates a deeper understanding of the fundamental mechanisms driving tokamak vibrations during these high-consequence events.

This work contributes to the ongoing effort to ensure the reliable and safe operation of fusion devices. The ability to accurately predict structural responses to disruptions is a key consideration for the long-term viability of fusion energy as a power source. Further validation against experimental data from devices like JET or future experiments will be essential to confirm the model's predictive capabilities across a range of disruption scenarios.