The CABRI pool-type research reactor located at CEA Cadarache is dedicated to the analysis of nuclear fuel behavior during Reactivity-Injection Accident (RIA) in Pressurized Water Reactors. The reactor experimentally simulates power pulse transients.

Two models have been recently developed to simulate CABRI power transients.

- The first model at the assembly scale is a tool called PALANTIR, based on the CATHARE2 system thermal-hydraulics code with additional surrogate models to take into account the reactivity injected by 3He depressurization.

- The second model, at the pin-scale level, is based on a APOLLO3®/THEDI coupling via the C3PO platform. APOLLO3® solves the simplified transport equation. THEDI is used to model an unsteady 1D two-phase hydraulics flow in the core. It also solves the 1D heat equation for fuel thermics. For the simulation of each power transient in CABRI, PALANTIR provides the 3He density evolution versus time; these data are imposed as boundary condition in the APOLLO3®/THEDI coupling.

The goal of the post-doctoral position is first to develop a coupling between the APOLLO3®/THEDI core model at the pin-scale and the CATHARE model of the 3He depressurization system.

Then, with the support of this simulation tool, the second objective will be to define core configurations of interest and measurements for characterizing local multi-physics phenomena in CABRI with the support of simulation.

You are completing your doctorate in neutronics, reactor physics or thermal-hydraulics and you are looking for a first professional experience.

Tools used: Reactor physics (Apollo3), thermal-hydraulics (Cathare)

Send us your application to join the team and contribute to the CEA’s structuring and innovative projects!

In accordance with the commitments made by the CEA in favor of the integration of people with disabilities, this job is open to everyone. The CEA offers arrangements and/or organizational possibilities.