Waste management is an important area of research for nuclear energy which is an essential building block for the development of low-carbon energies. This thesis focuses on understanding the mechanical and thermal behavior of a particular type of waste: bituminous matrices. This understanding is essential to contribute to its nuclear safety. In this context, we propose an experimental study of the mechanical behavior of a bituminous mix composed of salt grains of various sizes and chemical natures, as well as gas bubbles. More specifically, the aim is to characterize the impact of these elements on the rheology of the material, and to study the effects of salt sedimentation or bubble migration. To this end, bituminous mixes of various types will be synthesized. They will then be characterized in terms of rheology and imaging (2D by Optical Microscopy (OM) or Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and 3D by X-ray tomography) over time. Rheological and sedimentation models will be developed on the basis of experimental results and implemented in existing codes developed at CEA.
The applicant will have access to a high-level analytical platform and a dedicated laboratory infrastructure that will enable him/her to acquire expertise in the field of materials analysis and properties that can be leveraged for his/her professional project.