The NEA Second Framework for Irradiation Experiments (FIDES-II) is a multilateral effort established to preserve and strengthen the world’s fuel and materials experimental capacity. This facilitates high-priority safety and operations-related experiments that benefit a broad community of users around the world.
Members of FIDES-II from 12 countries assembled at the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) in Mito, Japan, on 23-27 October 2023 for meetings of its Technical Advisory Group and Governing Board.
The practice of holding FIDES-II meetings around the world offers members the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the capabilities available for research under the framework. The JAEA provided the opportunity for a site visit, allowing members to see first-hand the Nuclear Safety Research Reactor (NSRR) being used in the High Burnup Experiments in Reactivity Initiated Accident (HERA) Joint Experimental Programme (JEEP) of FIDES-II, as well as some of the other unique experimental capabilities at the research complex.
FIDES-II members during a field trip to see the NSRR reactor and hot cell facilities being used in the HERA experiments
During the meeting, the project members were informed of the technical progress of each JEEP as well as related modeling and simulation activities. They also discussed a diverse set of proposals for new experiments for the second triennial of the FIDES-II framework, which is set to start in April 2024.
Photos: curtesy of Japanese Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA)