Raphaëlle Guillou: Multi-Scale Synchrotron Approaches for Investigating the Behavior of Nuclear Materials under Extreme Conditions

Abstract

Nuclear materials are subjected to highly coupled conditions involving temperature, oxidation, mechanical loading, and irradiation. Understanding the mechanisms governing their evolution requires experimental approaches capable of monitoring microstructural transformations in real time.

This presentation focuses on the development of in situ and operando synchrotron methodologies for the investigation of nuclear materials under extreme conditions, with particular emphasis on zirconium alloys used as nuclear fuel cladding. The work addresses phase transformations, high-temperature oxidation mechanisms, and microstructure–property relationships under accident-relevant conditions.

Particular attention will also be given to the development of experimental instrumentation for synchrotron studies in severe environments, notably through the ICARIX device, which enables the combination of high-temperature heating, controlled atmospheres, and real-time synchrotron measurements.
These studies highlight the contribution of multi-scale synchrotron approaches to the understanding of the dynamic mechanisms governing the behavior of nuclear materials under extreme conditions.

À propos de l’intervenant

Raphaëlle Guillou is a research engineer in the Nuclear Materials Department at the CEA in Saclay, where she heads the X-ray diffraction laboratory. She provides her expert insight into the experiments and the results obtained.
She also contributes her expertise to various projects conducted at different synchrotron beamlines around the world on behalf of her department or as part of broader collaborations (with industry, academia, etc.).