Multiscale modeling of the magnetic response of heterogeneous material
The spectral dependence of the permeability of magnetic materials, whether in composite or dense materials, remains a complex issue due to the different scales of the phenomena involved. Approximate analytical models are often used to describe the frequency response of magnetic materials, particularly to improve their performance in areas such as power electronics. Recent results have shown that micro-magnetism codes can now predict the response of a system of coupled nanoparticles or a particle representing the volume of the materials in question. This thesis aims to use these tools to improve existing analytical models. An inclusion immersed in an effective field will be the paradigm from which the domain structure and the spectral response of the particle will be calculated using a micro-magnetism code. The materials studied include spherical particles or those with a high aspect ratio (magnetic oxides, ferromagnetic petals) at varying concentrations, ranging from dilute media to dense materials. This work will identify pathways to optimize the microstructure of materials for better performance in applications such as power electronics and microwave components. To this end, CEA provides a scientific computing environment with access to HPC resources, as well as facilities for sample preparation and static and dynamic magnetic characterization. At the end of this work, the candidate will have gained a solid understanding of the microstructure-property relationships described by a numerical approach applied to magnetic materials. More generally, this approach is expanding in the field of materials to improve their properties in various fields, under the designation "materials by design".
Development and study of laminated composite material with carbon nanotubes functionalisation dedicated to launcher linerless cryogenic tank
The use of composite materials in the space field has led to great weight improvements. To continue to achieve significant weight gain, composite cryogenic tank is the next technological application to reach by replacing the current metal alloy cryogenic propellant tanks. Lighter reinforced organic matrix composite materials (that are at least as efficient from a mechanical, thermal, chemical and ignition resistance point of view) are a realistic target to be reached that has been explored in recent years. Many research approaches tend to answer to this technological lock, but the potentialities of Carbon NanoTubes (CNTs) in terms of mechanical and physical properties, need to be explored deeper.
A first phase to assess the interest of CNTs for space applications (collaboration CNES/CEA/I2M/CMP Composite) was carried out to associate CNTs with a cyanate ester matrix in layered composite materials through three processes: (i) transfer of aligned CNTs mats by hot pressing (ii) dispersion of entangled CNTs mixed with resin, or (iii) growth of nanotubes aligned directly on the dry ply. Knowing mechanical and thermal loads, the aim is to demonstrate the efficiency of CNTs and influence of their characteristics with regard to damage tolerance of the material and consist in delaying the cracking process of the composite nearby the CNT layer and thus blocking the percolation of the cracking network which leads to the loss of tightness. For the preferred development process identified, the aim of this doctoral work is now to consolidate the material functionalisation with CNTs (shape, density, etc.) and the understanding of the mechanical behaviour (at room temperature and at low temperature) for the development of the layered material integrating CNTs.
Knowing the potential final application as cryogenic tank or for the improvement of structural materials sustainability in dual application, relevant tests will be performed to demonstrate the impact in terms of damage development and tightness in comparison with the same material without CNTs.
Study of the thermomechanical properties of solid hydrogen flows
IRIG's Department of Low Temperature Systems (DSBT) is developing several research themes around cryogenic solid hydrogen and its isotopes. The applications of this research range from the production of renewable micrometre-sized solid hydrogen targets for the generation of high-energy protons for laser-plasma acceleration, to the formation and injection of millimetre- or centimetre-sized hydrogen ice cubes for the supply and control of plasma in fusion reactors using magnetic or inertial confinement. A cross-cutting issue in these applications is the need for a detailed understanding of the mechanical properties of solid hydrogen, in order to gain a better understanding of the physics of extrusion and target production, as well as the formation and acceleration of icicles for injection into fusion plasmas.
The subject of this thesis focuses on the study of solid hydrogen extrusion under pressure. Using this technology, the DSBT has been developing several cryostats for over 10 years, enabling the production of ribbons of solid hydrogen, ranging in size from a few millimetres to a few tens of micrometres, extruded at speeds of a few millimetres per second.
The main objective of the research is to gain a better understanding of extrusion mechanisms to enable the development of numerical predictive tools for extrusion system design. This experimental thesis will be based on cryogenic rheometry using a capillary rheometer and/or a duvet experiment developed during a previous thesis. This study will be carried out in collaboration with the Laboratoire de Rhéologie et Procédés at Grenoble Alpes University.
Towards eco innovative, sustainable and reliable piezoelectric technology
Are you looking for a Phd position at the intersection of eco-innovation and high-tech? This subject is for you!
You will participate in efforts aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of piezoelectric (PZE) technology applied to micro actuators and sensors, while maintaining optimal levels of electrical performance and reliability. Currently PZE technology primarily relies on PZT material (Pb(Zr,Ti)O3) which contains lead, as well as electrodes made from materials such as Pt, Ru, and Au, along with doping elements like La, Mn and Nb to enhance piezoelectric properties and electrical performance. These materials not only come with a significant ecological cost but are also facing proven or imminent shortages. In the context of the necessary frugality associated with the energy transition, this PhD position aims to explore more environmentally friendly and sustainable microsystem technologies. The research will create a comparative analysis assessing the ecological footprint, electromechanical performance, and reliability of existing technologies (with lead) versus those under development (lead free). To achieve these objectives, you will employ Life Cycle Analyses (LCA), electromechanical measurements, and reliability tests (accelerated aging tests).
This interdisciplinary research will encompass fields such as eco design materials science, and microelectronic manufacturing processes You will benefit from the support of laboratories specializing in microsystems manufacturing and integration processes, as well as electrical characterization and reliability Collaboration with the “eco innovation” unit at CEA Leti will also enhance the resources available for this project.
Etude du comportement d'un composite CMC en température par essais in situ en tomographie X
The proposed topic concerns the study of the mechanical behavior of an oxide/oxide ceramic matrix composite material at temperature (up to 1000°C). The originality of the subject lies in the use of in situ X-ray tomography to access, on the one hand, the macroscopic deformation of the tested specimens and, on the other hand, the microscopic damage mechanisms that characterize this type of so-called "damageable" material.
This technique was developed at room temperature during a previous thesis: the aim here is to apply it at higher temperature and to more complex stresses (e.g., traction-torsion). The aim will also be to propose developments to the existing volumetric image correlation analysis protocol.
Diamond Beam Monitor for FLASH Therapy
Optimizing tumor dose delivery requires advanced treatment techniques. One promising approach focuses on refining beam delivery through ultra-high dose rate irradiation (UHDR), with temporal optimization being a key strategy. Recent studies highlight the effectiveness of FLASH irradiation using electrons, demonstrating similar tumor inhibition capabilities as gamma rays but with reduced damage to healthy tissue. To fully harness this potential, we are exploring innovative beams, such as high energy electron beams, which offer instantaneous dose rates and per-pulse doses many times higher than those produced by conventional radiation sources. However, accurately monitoring and measuring these beams remains a significant challenge, primarily due to the high dose rate.
The Sensors and Instrumentation Laboratory (CEA-List) will collaborate with the Institut Curie as part of the FRATHEA project. We propose the development of a novel diamond-based monitor, connected to associated electronics, to achieve precise measurements of dose and beam shape for high-rate electron and proton beams. Interdisciplinary experimental techniques, including diamond growth, device microfabrication, device characterization under radioactive sources, and final evaluation with electron beam, will be used for prototyping and testing the diamond beam monitor.
As part of the FRATHEA project, the PhD student will work on the following tasks:
• Growth of optimized single-crystal chemical vapor-deposited (scCVD) diamond structures
• Characterization of the electronic properties of the synthesized diamond materials
• Estimation of the dose response characteristics of a simplified prototypes
• Fabrication of a pixelated beam monitor
• Participation in beam times at the Institut Curie (an other institutes) for devices testing in clinical beams
Required Skills:
• Strong background in semiconductor physics and instrumentation
• Knowledge of radiation detectors and radiation-matter interactions
• Ability to work effectively in a team and demonstrate technical rigor in measurements
Additional Skills:
• Knowledge of electronics, including signal processing, amplifiers, oscilloscopes, etc.
• Familiarity with device fabrication and microelectronics
• Previous experience working with diamond materials
Profile:
• Master's level (M2) or engineering school, with a specialization in physical measurements
• Adherence to radiation protection regulations (category B classification required)
PhD Duration: 3 years
Start Date: Last semester of 2025
Contact:
Michal Pomorski : michal.pomorski@cea.fr
Guillaume Boissonnat: guillaume.boissonnat@cea.fr
Modelling/Simulation of the synthesis of anti-corrosion coatings using the MOCVD process for low-carbon energy production
The durability of materials used in many areas of energy production is limited by their degradation in the operating environment, which is often oxidising and at high temperature. This is particularly true of High Temperature Electrolysers (HTE) for the production of ‘green’ hydrogen, or the fuel cladding used in nuclear reactors to produce electricity. Anti-corrosion coatings can/should be applied to improve the lifespan of these installations, thereby conserving resources. A process for synthesising coatings using a reactive vapour route with liquid organometallic precursors (DLI - MOCVD) appears to be a very promising process.
The aim of this thesis is to model and simulate the DLI-MOCVD coating synthesis process for the two applications proposed above. Simulation results (deposition rate, deposit composition, spatial homogeneity) will be compared with experimental results from large-scale ‘pilot’ reactors at the CEA in order to optimise the model's input parameters. On the basis of this CFD simulation/experiments dialogue, the optimum conditions for deposition on a scale 1 component will be proposed. A coupling between CFD simulations and Machine Learning will be developed to accelerate the change of scale and the optimisation of scale 1 deposits.
Improving phase field damage models - Application to vitroceramic materials subjected to self-irradiation
The vitrification of nuclear waste is a solution currently adopted for the storage of nuclear waste. The vitroceramic materials considered for this application consist of a glass matrix and inclusions of crystalline phases. Rich in radioactive elements, these inclusions undergo self-irradiation resulting in their swelling, which may cause cracking of the glass matrix. It is necessary to know the maximum amount of inclusions below which the material does not crack. An experimental study on radioactive materials, produced and monitored over time, is excessively expensive and the development of a numerical approach could make it possible to better target the materials to be studied.
Following Gérald Feugueur's thesis work on the subject, which highlighted the difficulty of current models in dissociating crack initiation and propagation, the main goal is to develop and test an improved phase field model incorporating an elasticity-independent crack nucleation criterion, based on regularized models of softening plasticity. The model will be implemented using the finite element method (FEniCS code) and an alternative method using Fourier transforms (AMITEX code). Following cross-validation, the most efficient implementation will be selected for application to large-scale 3D microstructures. Close exchanges with CEA Marcoule will enable us to characterize the microstructure of the materials, and an experiment currently underway should enable us to analyze the potential cracking of these materials under self-irradiation.
Radiological large-scale accident dosimetry: use of EPR spectroscopy for population triage by measurements of smartphone screens
In the event of a large-scale radiological emergency involving sources of external irradiation, methods are needed to identify which members of the population have been exposed and require priority care. To date, there are no operational methods for such sorting. Smartphone touch screen lenses retain traces of ionizing radiation through the formation of so-called “radiation-induced” defects.Measuring and quantifying these punctual defects, in particular by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, makes itpossible to estimate the dose deposited in the glass, and thus the exposure associated with irradiation. The thesis work proposed herefocuses in particular on the alkali-aluminosilicate glasses used in cell phone touch screens, which are currently the best candidates fordeveloping new measurement capabilities in the context of accidents involving large numbers of victims.
We will focus in particular on identifying point defects as a function of the glass model used in smartphones by simulating EPR spectra in order to optimize the proposed dosimetry method.