In this course, we will build on the foundation you already have on materials, to understand how they behave in nuclear systems. In particular, we will provide you a solid base of nuclear material fundamentals in order to understand radiation damage and effects in fuels and structural materials. This course will also propose you short research projects to be discussed in class. We will start with an overview of nuclear materials, where they are found in nuclear plants, and how they behave/fail under radiation, particularly neutrons and heavy charged particles to produce defects and change microstructure. A few applications of radiation effects will then be treated, including the change of material properties under irradiation, void swelling, embrittlement, loss of ductility, and the simulation of in-reactor irradiation (neutrons) with heavy ions.

The student is expected to enter the labor market with a thorough preparation, innovative and comprehensive approach and updated knowledge of new materials (either already available on the market or under development) for nuclear energy production (fusion and fission). In particular, the student will be able to exploit his/her skills by projects/case-studies, industrial problem-solving examples to funding institution, stakeholders and companies involved in the nuclear energy field. The knowledge will focus on several advanced materials not studied in other courses, which are mandatory for the professional career of a future nuclear engineer.

Materials Science and Technology, Physics, Chemistry

-Introduction to the main classes of materials for nuclear plants (fission, fusion): nuclear grade steels, metal alloys, polymers, glasses, ceramics, superconductors, composites. -Nuclear issues affecting materials properties: neutron irradiation, He-retention, effects on materials properties (mechanical, non-destructive tests, thermal, optical, etc…) -Fission reactors' materials: requirements, advanced materials for new generation fission nuclear plants (Gen. IV, etc) -Fusion reactors' materials: requirements, plasma facing materials, advanced materials for new generation fusion nuclear plants (ITER and beyond) -Seminars given by experts in the field; master final report activity available on subjects related to this part of the course, also in research centres and companies; hands-on laboratory activity.

Information and updates regarding the course and exam will be periodically communicated by using the web portal of this course. The student will be given all the other information about the course, such as info on labs activity, etc.

About 40 hours lectures and 20 hours hands-on laboratories. Case studies and problem-solving on relevant topics for nuclear energy applications; visits at research premises, depending on availability.

Pdf files of slides .

Modalità di esame: Prova orale obbligatoria;

Exam: Compulsory oral exam;

... Individual oral test based on three open questions on all the program of this course.

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.