Missions

Aluminium-based alloys are used in certain components of nuclear reactors, particularly in the vessels of some research reactors. Extending the service life of these reactors requires anticipating the evolution of the microstructures and mechanical properties of the alloys used.

The European project “Materials Ageing and Structural Integrity of Research Reactors” (MAGIC-RR) aims to improve our understanding of ageing mechanisms and corrosion phenomena under neutron irradiation in aluminium alloys. This project brings together 11 European partners, including the Groupe de Physique des Matériaux (GPM).
Within this project, the role of the GPM is to identify and quantify the evolution of the microstructures of neutron-irradiated 5000 and 6000 series aluminium alloys and to correlate these evolutions with irradiation-induced hardening. The main experimental techniques used will be Atom Probe Tomography (APT) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for microstructural characterization, as well as Vickers microhardness testing for hardening assessment.
The recruited candidate will contribute to sample preparation for each of these techniques, the implementation of analyses, data processing, and dissemination of the obtained results.

Activities

- Sample preparation: Prepare tips for Atom Probe Tomography (APT) and thin foils for Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) by controlled-area electrolytic polishing; perform mechanical polishing of samples under a glove box for microhardness testing.
- Microstructural characterization: Conduct APT and TEM analyses and process the data using the software tools available at GPM.
- Hardening evaluation: Perform Vickers microhardness tests.
- Data interpretation: Establish correlations between microstructural evolution and hardening behaviour.
- Dissemination of results: Contribute to the preparation of project deliverables, the writing of scientific papers, and the presentation of results at project meetings and international conferences.

Skills

- Technical skills: Proficiency in at least one of the two microstructural characterization techniques (APT or TEM), from sample preparation to data analysis. Proficiency in both techniques or in microhardness testing will be considered an asset.
- Knowledge: A solid background in physical metallurgy is expected (diffusion, phase transformations, mechanical properties). Knowledge of irradiation effects will be an advantage.
- Practical skills: Ability to write reports and scientific papers in English, and to present results clearly and effectively.
- Interpersonal skills: Teamwork, good communication, and adherence to safety and procedural instructions.

Work Context

The Material Physics Group (GPM, UMR 6634) is a laboratory from the University of Rouen Normandie (URN), the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and INSA Rouen Normandie. It is located on the Sciences and Engineering Rouen Normandie Campus in Saint-Etienne du Rouvray. The GPM is structured into 5 departments:
 Scientific Instrumentation,
 Metallurgy, Microstructures, Mechanics
 Functional materials and nanostructures
 Disordered systems and polymers
 Thematic openings and Innovations
It brings together 140 staff including 60 Associate professors, professors and Researchers, 30 Technical and Administrative staff and 50 PhD students, postdocs and internship students.
The recruited researcher will be attached to the "Metallurgy, Microstructures, Mechanics" department which includes 4 thematic teams:
 Nuclear materials
 Phase transformations Microstructures
 Multi-scale modeling of phase transformations
 Mechanics of materials
He will work in the "Nuclear Materials" team. This team is working on understanding the aging mechanisms (thermal or irradiation aging) of materials used in current reactors (generation II), on the development of new materials for next reactor generations (Generation IV, fusion) and on the relationships between microstructures and mechanical properties. It now brings together 4 Associate professors / professors, 5 PhD students and is supported by engineers and technicians.

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Constraints and risks

- Work in controlled area and manipulation of slightly radioactive samples (Radioprotection)
- Manipulation of chemical products (acids, solvent) for electropolishing