LM2C (Laboratory for Fuel Behavior Modeling) - Molecular dynamics study of the interaction between extended defects and thermal spikes in UO₂ and MOX fuels

Objective: Using classical MD, study how thermal spikes (from fission fragment tracks) interact with extended defects (dislocation networks, prismatic loops, cavities, gas bubbles) in UO2/MOX to assess recovery vs. accumulation effects.

Plan:

• Build/equilibrate simulation boxes with controlled extended defects.
• Model thermal spikes by depositing kinetic energy in a cylindrical region; quantify resulting dislocation lines, point defects, cavity size/morphology vs. deposited energy, track–defect distance, initial temperature, and fuel type.
• Literature review; production runs on TGCC; Python post‑processing via OVITO.

Methods/tools: Molecular dynamics (LAMMPS), OVITO, Linux/TGCC HPC.

Keywords: nuclear fuels, molecular dynamics, irradiation, extended defects, thermal spikes.

Work mode/location: CEA Cadarache (IRESNE/LM2C); remote work possible after initial acclimatization (hybrid). Thesis possible (Yes).