INSPYRE

INSPYRE project: presentation video

Project:

The ultimate aims of the INSPYRE project are to:

• Maximise the information extractable from qualification irradiation tests and ultimately decrease their number
• Decrease the time needed to qualify fuel
• Accelerate up the learning curve
• Improve safety and performance by reducing uncertainties
• Sweep through or bypassing steps on the TRL ladder

To reach these aims, INSPYRE has set three overarching strategic objectives:

• Establish major breakthroughs in the understanding and description of fast reactor (FR) MOX fuel behaviour under irradiation in a large variety of conditions by coupling: (i) post irradiation examinations on neutron‐irradiated fuel from past campaigns with (ii) separate effect experiments (SEE) using mainly ion implantation and (iii) multiscale modelling, from the atomic to the macroscopic scale, including thermodynamic modelling, thereby greatly enhancing the situations to be covered.
• Advance the predictive capabilities of fast reactor fuel performance codes by bringing them several steps forward in terms of reliability and extended simulation by (i) transferring the knowledge acquired from basic and technological research into operational tools and (ii) bringing together experts from various areas of expertise to develop and capitalize on the synergy between the various approaches (basic and technological research, modelling and experimental aspects). This will permit reduced operational margins in pile, enhance safety and reach more reliable management procedures of off‐ normal situations.
• Transfer the results and approach of the proposal to end‐users, develop training to prepare the next generation of researchers on fuel performance codes and fast reactor fuel and initiate or participate in original and effective outreach activities to improve public acceptance of the next generation of reactors and attract young minds to nuclear energy development.