Materials research is a field of growing relevance for advanced nuclear systems including fourth generation (Gen IV) technologies, small and advanced modular reactors (SMR and AMR), micro-reactors, transmutation systems and fusion devices. For these different systems, structural materials must be selected or developed to address the specific challenges of their foreseen operational environments. This requires cross-cutting research programmes as well as advanced experimental and simulation capabilities to design, characterise and evaluate performance.
For this reason, the NEA held its seventh triennial workshop on Structural Materials for Innovative Nuclear Systems (SMINS-7) at the headquarters of the Spanish Centro Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) in Madrid from 31 March to 3 April 2025, with local organisation provided by Ciemat.
The purpose of the workshop, which was attended by 100 participants, was to exchange information on current materials research programmes for different innovative nuclear systems, with a view to identifying and developing potential synergies.
Welcome addresses were delivered by José María Martell Berrocal, CSIC Vice-President for Scientific and Technical Research; José Manuel Perez Morales, Ciemat Head of Technology Department; and Fanny Balbaud, of the CEA (French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission) and EGSM Chair.
José María Martell Berrocal, CSIC Vice-President for Scientific and Technical Research.
The workshop covered fundamental studies, modelling and experiments connected with the discovery, design, development, manufacturing and joining, qualification and behaviour in operation of innovative structural materials, including cladding materials, for advanced nuclear systems such as thermal, fast and sub-critical reactors, as well as fusion systems.
The agenda featured 11 keynote addresses, 32 oral technical presentations, and 35 technical posters.
The core oral presentations were covered in the following topical sessions:
- Assuring performance in materials produced by advanced manufacturing
- Experimental studies of materials behaviour in irradiation testing
- Principles of design, manufacturing and performance of medium and high entropy alloys
- Resistance to the following environments:
- Molten salts
- Extreme aqueous environments
- Heavy liquid metals
- Materials with potential for high temperature applications
- Industrial application of nuclear structural materials
Each session featured extended discussions and a summary presentation of the main themes was provided by the session chairs at the end of the conference.
Session chair summarises presentations.
A panel discussion session chaired by James Marrow of the University of Oxford focused on “Materials challenges for advanced and small modular reactors: From the need for innovation to licensing”. The final technical keynote was given by William Server, now of ATI Consulting, who shared insights from four decades of experience in resolving challenges in long-term operation from a materials and structural integrity perspective.
William SERVER – ATI Consulting.
The workshop was held under the oversight of the NEA Expert Group on Structural Materials (EGSM), which is part of the Working Party on Materials Science Issues in Nuclear Fuels and Structural Materials (WPFM) of the Nuclear Science Committee (NSC).
Additional support was provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the European Energy Research Alliance Joint Program for Nuclear Material (EERA JPNM), the CONNECT-NM co-funded European partnership, France’s CEA, newcleo, and NAAREA.
Further details on SMINS-7 can be found on the dedicated webpage including the programme, with permissioned content from the conference to be made available.
The next edition of the workshop, SMINS-8, will be held in Korea in 2028.
