We are pleased to announce the commencement of a post-doctoral internship lasting 18 months, which forms an integral part of the ongoing research efforts at the Institute of Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN). This research initiative is focused on understanding the aging process of concrete within the containment buildings of nuclear power plants, with a primary goal of extending the operational life of nuclear reactors. This endeavor is conducted in collaboration with the CONCRETE Consortium.

Overview

This post-doctoral internship is dedicated to conducting a numerical study of Delayed Ettringite Formation (DEF) at the mesoscale. We will employ an innovative cohesive volumetric approach to gain a deeper insight into the interaction between DEF and the concrete matrix.

Objectives

• Identification of key parameters influencing DEF occurrence in concrete.
• Development of a mesoscale numerical model for simulating DEF.
• Experimental verification and validation of the numerical simulation results.
• Contribution to an enhanced understanding of concrete aging processes in nuclear facilities.

Significance for Nuclear Safety

This research is crucial for ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of nuclear power plants. A thorough examination of DEF and its impact on concrete structures allows for the early detection and mitigation of issues associated with material aging, which is of paramount importance for the sustainability of nuclear facilities.

Collaboration with IRSN and CONCRETE Consortium:

Post-doctoral researchers will have a unique opportunity to collaborate with esteemed experts from IRSN and other members of the CONCRETE Consortium. This collaboration offers a platform for knowledge sharing and experience exchange in the fields of nuclear safety and concrete engineering.

More information can be found in the document HERE.

We look forward to working with promising scientific talents.