CEA IRESNE (CEA-Cadarache)
FrancePublished: 16 Oct 2026
LMCP (PLEIADES Laboratory for Numerical Methods and Physical Components) - Numerical analysis of uranium dioxide fracture tests induced by laser heating: sensitivity analyses and design of new experiments
- Internship
- 4-6 months
- On-site
- Paid
- Deadline: 30 Oct 2026
- Finite elements
- Gradient damage models
- Fracture mechanics
- Thermomechanics
- Nuclear fuels
- Multiphysics simulation
Job description
Aim: Simulate and analyze UO2 pellet cracking during laser‑heating tests using finite elements and gradient‑damage models; propose experimental setup modifications to ensure identifiability of key parameters (strength, fracture energy, heat transfer through cracks). Hosted at CEA Cadarache, IRESNE, LMCP (PLEIADES platform).
Inputs/data: videos of crack evolution; measured surface thermal maps.
Methods/tools: MFront; FEM with Manta or MFEM/MGIS.
Outcomes: sensitivity analyses; recommendations to improve experimental design; skills in multiphysics modeling, data interpretation, and scientific methodology.
Keywords: fracture mechanics, gradient‑damage, finite elements, thermomechanics, nuclear fuel.