Burning Plasma Experiment vacuum vessel design update

The Burning Plasma Experiment (BPX) machine is an experimental device that is intended to demonstrate plasma self-heating and the production of significant amounts of fusion power. The BPX vacuum vessel provides the high vacuum environment required for plasma operation and forms the primary containment structure for tritium. The authors describe the major features of the vacuum vessel assembly, an R&D program that has been completed, and additional R&D programs that are planned. Areas of concern, such as weld distortion, nondestructive evaluation techniques, holding tolerances under shop conditions, performance of remote welding/cutting equipment, and performance of noncircular seals, will be addressed in the R&D programs