Ferritic steels are being considered as structural materials in future fission and fusion nuclear reactors. These alloys have highly original properties, due to the coupling between chemical, magnetic and elastic interactions that affect their thermodynamic properties, the diffusion of chemical species and the diffusion of point defects in the crystal. The aim of the thesis will be to model all of these effects at the atomic scale and to integrate them into Monte Carlo simulations in order to model the segregation and precipitation kinetics under irradiation, phenomena that can degrade their properties in use. The atomic approach is essential for these materials, which are subjected to permanent irradiation and for which the laws of equilibrium thermodynamics no longer apply.

The candidate should have a good background in statistical physics or materials science, and be interested in numerical simulations and computer programming. The thesis will be carried out at CEA Saclay's physical metallurgy laboratory (SRMP), in a research environment with recognised experience in multi-scale modelling of materials, with around fifteen theses and post-doctoral contracts in progress on these topics.

A Master 2 internship on the same subject is proposed for spring 2025 and is highly recommended.