General information
Organisation
The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is a key player in research, development and innovation in four main areas :
• defence and security,
• nuclear energy (fission and fusion),
• technological research for industry,
• fundamental research in the physical sciences and life sciences.
Drawing on its widely acknowledged expertise, and thanks to its 16000 technicians, engineers, researchers and staff, the CEA actively participates in collaborative projects with a large number of academic and industrial partners.
The CEA is established in ten centers spread throughout France
Reference
2024-33906
Position description
Category
Mathematics, information, scientific, software
Contract
Internship
Job title
Internship - Simulation of fission gas behavior and microstructure evolution of nuclear fuels
Subject
As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of nuclear reactors, this internship aims to explore innovative computational methods applied to nuclear fuel. Using the recent modeling techniques and software, this project will delve into microscopic phenomena to better understand and predict their impact on the macroscopic behavior of reactor fuel elements.
Contract duration (months)
6
Job description
Context
Nuclear fuels, especially uranium oxide (UO2) and mixed oxides of uranium and plutonium (MOX), play a crucial role in reactor operation and the management of radioactive waste. Understanding and predicting their behavior is essential for improving the safety and efficiency of both current and future nuclear reactors.
A key aspect is the behavior of fission gases generated by fission reactions. This poorly soluble gas collects into nanometric bubbles that grow over time during fuel operation. The development of a network of bubbles at the grain scale (a few micrometers) significantly affects the fuel properties and mechanical behaviour. Computer simulations complement experimental characterization by modeling the formation and evolution of these bubbles, predicting changes in physical properties under irradiation, and accelerating the design of new, higher-performance fuel concepts.
Internship objectives
The candidate will contribute to the development and improvement of simulation models for fission gas behavior in the microstructure of nuclear fuels. These models are essential for predicting phenomena such as swelling, deformation, and grain fragmentation.
Tasks
- Perform simulations of gas behavior in UO2 at the microstructural scale, using models based on phase-field and rate-theory methods.
- Compare results from various simulation codes, including Inferno (2D/3D), Margaret (1D), Sciantix (0D), and experimental data.
- Analyze the evolution of gas bubbles and their effects on the macroscopic behavior of the fuel.
What you’ll learn
- Proficiency in advanced computer simulation techniques.
- In-depth understanding of multiscale physical phenomena in nuclear fuels.
- Ability to analyze and interpret complex data from simulations and experiments.
- A scientific approach to research applied to major energy and environmental challenges.
This internship offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of nuclear energy while developing valuable skills in computational modeling and materials physics.
Methods / Means
Phase field, rate theory (Inferno, Sciantix, Margaret)
Applicant Profile
Solid State Physics; Computational Physics; Materials Science; Mechanics of materials.
Position location
Site
Cadarache
Job location
France, Provence-Côte d'Azur, Bouches du Rhône (13)
Location
Saint Paul Lez Durance
Candidate criteria
Languages
- French (Fluent)
- English (Intermediate)
Prepared diploma
Bac+5 - Diplôme École d'ingénieurs
Recommended training
Nuclear Engineering; Engineering Physics; Material Engineering; Physics; Chemistry; Material Science
PhD opportunity
Oui
Requester
Position start date
03/02/2025
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