NOMATEN ONLINE-SEMINAR November 17: Irradiation creep mechanisms in metals: a combined numerical and experimental perspective

Start date
2026-11-17, 13:00

NOMATEN Online Seminar

Location: gotomeeting room - https://meet.goto.com/NCBJmeetings/nomaten-seminar

Seminar date: November 17th, 2026, 1:00 PM (CEST)

 

Irradiation creep mechanisms in metals:
a combined numerical and experimental perspective

Fabien Onimus, PhD
CEA (French Atomic Energy Commission);
French National Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology

 

Abstract:

The metallic materials used in nuclear reactors undergo irreversible deformation during operation when exposed to fast neutron flux. This deformation can occur under simultaneous irradiation and applied stress, a phenomenon known as irradiation creep. This phenomenon is well characterized on a macroscopic scale through tests conducted in experimental reactors. However, from a microscopic perspective, many uncertainties remain regarding the precise processes at the scale of point defects and dislocations.

To study the fundamental irradiation creep mechanisms, original studies were conducted, at room temperature, on model materials such as pure copper and pure aluminum. This research combined micromechanical testing, nanoscale observations using in situ transmission electron microscopy and multiscale numerical simulations (molecular dynamics, object kinetic Monte Carlo simulations). These fundamental studies have already led to a better understanding of the radiation-induced creep mechanisms.

 

Bio:

Dr. Onimus’ current research focuses on the effect of irradiation on the mechanical behavior and deformation mechanisms of metals and alloys. Under his supervision, an original multiscale approach is being implemented, using both experiments and numerical simulations, from the atomic to the mechanical testing scales, not to mention the dislocation and polycrystalline scales.

Dr. Fabien Onimus is currently Research Director at CEA (French Atomic Energy Commission) and Professor at the French National Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology. During his career, he has supervised fourteen PhD students, published more than 45 peer-reviewed articles, and contributed to studies presented in over 100 oral presentations. He has received several awards for his contributions.

 

 

 

Tags



This project has received funding from the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation
programme under grant agreement No 857470 and from European Regional Development Fund
via Foundation for Polish Science International Research Agenda PLUS programme grant
No MAB PLUS/2018/8.
Poland
The project is co-financed from the state budget within the framework of the undertaking of the Minister of Science and Higher Education "Support for the activities of Centers of Excellence established under Horizon 2020".

Grant: 5 143 237,70 EUR
Total value: 29 971 365,00 EUR
Date of signing the funding agreement: December 2023

The purpose of the undertaking is to support entities of the higher education and science system that have received funding from the European Union budget in the competition H2020-WIDESPREAD-2018-2020/WIDESPREAD-01-2018-2019: Teaming Phase 2. in the preparation, implementation and updating of activities, maintenance of material resources necessary for carrying out activities, acquisition and modernization of scientific and research apparatus, maintenance and development of personnel potential necessary for the implementation of activities, and dissemination of the results of scientific activities.