Framatome PROtect ATF solutions: Cr-coated M5Framatome and SiC cladding design

with Matthieu Aumand, Materials Engineer
Framatome
Apr 14, 2023 10:10 AM

register for webinar

Following the Fukushima-Daiichi accident in 2011, efforts have been made by the nuclear industry to develop solutions that enhance the accident tolerance of nuclear reactors. Framatome PROtect Enhanced Accident Tolerant Fuel (E-ATF) development program focuses on a two-phased approach balancing each solution’s benefits with speed to market. The first phase focuses on a near-term evolutionary solution:  Cr-coated M5Framatome cladding and Cr2O3-doped UO2 fuel. This solution improves safety and fuel cycle economics while targeting reload insertion in mid-2020s. The second phase focuses on a long-term revolutionary solution: Silicon carbide composite (SiCf/SiC) cladding, which offers drastic performance improvements during beyond design basis accidents. A general status update on Framatome’s PROtect Cr-coated M5Framatome and SiCf/SiC cladding designs will be presented.

PROtect and M5Framatome are trademarks or registered trademarks of Framatome or its affiliates, in the USA or other countries.

Matthieu Aumand earned a Bachelor degree in Physics and a Master degree in Material Science and Engineering from University of Poitiers, France, and pursued his studies in the US by earning a PhD degree in Materials Science and Engineering from University of Houston. Dr. Aumand then joined Framatome in 2019 as a materials engineer. As part of the US PWR materials team, he was assigned to the development and licensing of Framatome’s Accident Tolerant Fuel (ATF) PROtect designs and became the Principal Investigator for this program. Dr. Aumand now oversees irradiation campaigns and testing activities that support the licensing of the Framatome’s ATF short term solution which is the Cr-coated M5Framatome. In addition, he leads the efforts on irradiation programs of SiC-based cladding which constitutes Framatome’s long-term ATF solution.