STAGE - Atomistic investigation of liquid metals in the context of nuclear accident scenarios H/F

CEA; Saint-Paul-lès-Durance; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A prestigious research organization in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is offering a 6-month internship in atomistic investigation of liquid metals related to nuclear accident scenarios. The role involves simulating relevant compositions and validating predictive models. Candidates should be pursuing a Master’s degree in materials science or related fields. Collaborative work with PhD students will enhance the research experience.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge in solid state physics, statistical mechanics or nuclear engineering appreciated.
• Highly motivated candidates preferred.

Responsabilités

• Simulate compositions relevant to nuclear accident scenarios.
• Compare model predictions with experimental measurements.
• Contribute to validating methodologies for nuclear safety.

Connaissances

Materials science

Computational physics

Formation

Master’s degree (M2/Bac+5)

Outils

Density Functional Theory (VASP)

Classical molecular dynamics (LAMMPS)

Description du poste

Overview

STAGE - Atomistic investigation of liquid metals in the context of nuclear accident scenarios H/F

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 16 000 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

2025-37997

You will be hosted at the Fuel Behavior Modeling Laboratory (IRESNE Institute, CEA Cadarache), a dynamic research group where you will collaborate with other PhD students in the lab. The working environment is further enriched by national and international collaborations, offering you the opportunity to integrate into the research community focused on nuclear materials science.

Category

Physics of the nucleus, atom, molecule

Contract

Internship

Job title

STAGE - Atomistic investigation of liquid metals in the context of nuclear accident scenarios H/F

Subject

Atomistic investigation of liquid metals in the context of nuclear accident scenarios

6

In the context of nuclear accident scenarios, liquid mixtures may form, containing uranium, zirconium, and elements from structural materials and the reactor vessel (such as steel). Understanding the relationship between the properties of these mixtures—particularly their viscosity—and their structural characteristics is therefore crucial.

Atomistic investigations have already been conducted on liquid uranium-zirconium mixtures, successfully establishing predictive models for these relationships. The approach used relies on developing machine-learning interatomic potentials based on ab initio calculations, which are then employed to perform large-scale classical molecular dynamics simulations. However, the lack of experimental data for these specific compositions makes it challenging to validate the proposed methodology.

During this internship, you will focus on simulating compositions that remain relevant to nuclear accident scenarios—such as zirconium-nickel or zirconium-iron—but have been more thoroughly studied experimentally. The goal is to directly compare model predictions (e.g., thermal expansion, liquid structure, and atomic diffusion) with available experimental measurements.

Your work will contribute to validating the methodologies used for simulating liquid mixtures, thereby enhancing their reliability for nuclear safety applications.

Methods / Means

Density Functional Theory (VASP), Classical molecular dynamics (LAMMPS), ML interatomic potentials

We are seeking for a Master’s degree student (M2/Bac+5/Engineering school) specializing in materials science. Basic knowledge in solid state physics, statistical mechanics, or nuclear engineering would be appreciated, but is not required.

This 6-month internship is part of the DIADEM-PEPR national project, and is designed for highly motivated candidates.

The intern will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with PhD students in our laboratory, as well as external researchers, fostering a dynamic and enriching research environment.

Site

Job location

Location

Languages

Prepared diploma

Recommended training

Materials science, computational physics