Atomic scale simulation in the service of nuclear materials

by Robin Grimes (Department of Materials, Imperial College, London)

Wednesday 9 Oct 2019, 16:00 → 18:00 Europe/Rome

Aula Conversi (Dipartimento di Fisica - Ed. G.Marconi)

With nuclear energy related technologies, data to underpin operation is
often difficult to obtain either because the controlling factor takes place
on time scales or length scales that are challenging or the hazard is
exceptionally demanding on experimental facilities.  In these circumstances
computer simulations can be especially useful.  We can use the results of
simulation in different ways. Most simply to provide property values for
existing models and further analyze experimental values. Perhaps to check
or test existing assumptions or to improve existing models by developing
the physical models.  Sometimes it is possible to develop totally new
models, using the simulations to discover or identify the physics/chemistry
behind the process.  In this seminar we will consider each of these in
turn, to see where computer simulation can add value to the development of
nuclear materials.