International Workshop on Structural Materials for Innovative Nuclear Systems

Introduction

The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) is organising the Third International Workshop on Structural Materials for Innovative Nuclear Systems (SMINS-3). The workshop will be held in Idaho Falls, USA on
7-10 October 2013, hosted by the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), and is co-sponsored by the European Commission (EC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Important dates

Background

Materials research is a field of growing relevance for innovative nuclear systems, such as Generation IV reactors, critical and sub-critical transmutation systems and fusion devices. For these different systems, structural materials are selected or developed taking into account the specificities of their foreseen operational environment. However, material development projects require both cross-cutting research programmes and advanced experimental/simulation facilities so as to characterise and evaluate the performance of the selected materials.

The purpose of this workshop is to stimulate an exchange of information on current materials research programmes for different innovative nuclear systems with a view to identifying and developing potential synergies.

1. Scope

The workshop will cover fundamental studies, modelling and experiments on innovative structural materials including cladding materials for the range of advanced nuclear systems such as thermal/fast systems, sub-critical systems, as well as fusion systems.

Five topics are suggested:

1. Fundamental studies
2. Metal Alloys
3. Ceramic and Ceramic Composites
4. Advanced Materials and Processing/Joining
5. Ion vs. neutron irradiation

Fundamental studies should focus on the identification of mechanisms driving the response of materials under the conditions expected in innovative nuclear systems. These mechanisms may act at the atomic or at higher scale and the application of multiscale approaches, together with related problems of scale bridging or numerical methods, are of special interest. Moreover irradiation experiments and subsequent characterization of materials with analytical techniques are included in the session if aimed at better understanding the acting mechanisms or drawing physics-based correlations.

Metal Alloys, Ceramic and Ceramic Composites includes in- and out-of-core applications taking into account the scope of: data availability and gaps (considering also licensing issues); experimental and modelling needs for specific components or degradation modes; link between R&D, standardisation and experimental protocols; coolant effects and mechanical properties. Discussions on code development and implementation plans are also of interest. Application of SiC composites to LWR systems is of interest as an advanced concept.

Advanced materials may include nano-grained materials, grain boundary engineered materials, nano-precipitation-strengthened materials and micro-laminates, processing and joining among other topics.

The "Ions vs. neutron irradiation" topic will focus on specific irradiation comparisons including mechanical properties and microstructural effects caused by ion or neutron irradiation. Comparative irradiation studies on a common material are also welcome.

It is noted that fuel-cladding interaction will not be covered in this edition of the workshop.

2. Programme

Plenary lectures on the following subjects will be organised:

• Industrial perspectives on material choices for advanced nuclear systems
• Code qualification and material data needs for licensing
• Comparison of ion and neutron irradiation for creating radiation damage
• Use of user facilities for the R&D of innovative materials
• Perspectives on modelling materials far from equilibrium

Technical sessions will be organised according to the five topics listed above.

A workshop discussion session on ion vs. neutron irradiation will be organized.

A poster session will be held on the second day (8 October 2013), covering all technical subjects.

3. Full paper submissions

Participants planning to attend the meeting are invited to complete the Registration form before 7 August 2013 (NB: you will need to login into your NEA account or pre-register if have do not already have an NEA account). A template for full paper submissions is available here: Instructions for authors [.docx].

Full papers based on accepted abstracts and invited talks must reach the NEA Secretariat (email: ) by 20 September 2013.

4. Proceedings

All presented papers will be included in the proceedings and published by the NEA after the meeting. Please note that papers not received by 20 September 2013 risk of being omitted from the workshop proceedings.

5. Logistics

Working language

The working language will be English. All communications, abstracts, and papers must be sent in English.

Fees

No registration fee will be charged. If, following your registration you decide not to attend please send a cancellation note to the NEA Secretariat (email: ).

Venue, hotel, transport

Venue

The SMINS 3 meeting will held be at the Marriott Residence Inn on 7-10 October 2013.

Marriott Residence Inn, Idaho Falls
635 West Broadway St.
Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83402, USA
+1-208-542-0000 | +1-208-552-7378
Web: www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/idari-residence-inn-idaho-falls/
Reservations can be made at a special rate. ("SMINS-INL" group rate: $81.00 (USD), code: jbijbis, valid until 15 September 2013.)

Hilton Garden Inn Idaho Falls
700 Lindsay Blvd.
Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83402, USA
+1-208-522-9500
Web: http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/idaho/hilton-garden-inn-idaho-falls-IDAIFGI/index.html

Fairfield Inn and Suites Idaho Falls
1293 West Broadway Street
Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83402, USA

Transport

Air
The closest airport to Idaho Falls is the Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA). It is only about 3 miles from the meeting location. The following airlines fly to the Idaho Falls Regional airport:

• Allegiant Air
• Delta Airlines
• United Airlines

Rent a car
The following companies have car rental service at the airport:

• Avis
• National
• Hertz

Location and attractions

Idaho Falls visitors page: www.visitidahofalls.com/

Around Idaho Falls
Famous attractions near Idaho Falls include Yellowstone, Teton National Parks and Craters of the Moon National Monument. Yellowstone National Park is 144km (or 90 miles) north of Idaho Falls. Teton National Park is about 112km (or 70 Miles) east of Idaho Falls. Craters of the Moon National Monument is about 120km or 75 Miles from Idaho Falls.

Technical tour

Technical tours of INL facilities will be organized and take place on Thursday 10 October 2013. For security reasons, participants who wish to attend the tour need to let us know by the registration closure date (7 August 2013).

6. Workshop officials, committees and contact

All correspondence with regard to the meeting should be addressed to the workshop Secretariat:

Last reviewed: 19 April 2013