Numerical Experiments and Data Mining in Huge Experimental Databases at Selected Nuclear Energy and Alternative Energy Research Centers in France

In this talk, I will first give an introduction of the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA) with a brief sketch of the scope of its fundamental and applied research areas that include the design of nuclear reactors, the manufacturing of integrated circuits, the use of radio-nucleides for curing illnesses, seismology and tsunami propagation, the safety of computerized systems, etc. CEA was established in 1945, and has a current yearly budget of 4.7 billion euros and a permanent staff of over 16,000 persons.

CEA has many experimental laboratories, both physical and virtual. We are always concerned with new experimental techniques. I will next present some current results of our numerical experiments and experience in data mining in huge experimental databases, many of which are related to laser/matter interaction, plasma, fusion sciences, etc. I will also touch on examples of our effort in developing new material for renewable energy programs which include nanotechnology, nanocharacterization, bioinspired materials, etc. with applications in fuel cell, batteries, high-performance composite materials. I will also mention our interest in Uncertainty Quantification, Validation and Verification in Complex Systems.

As the Scientific Director of CEA-DAM, I am in charge of proposing scientific collaborations with French and Foreign Laboratories. We have a strong leadership in France in High Performance Computing and Simulation, and I hope to discuss collaborative opportunities between CEA and NIST.

Speaker Bio: Thierry Massard is the Scientific Director of CEA Direction des applications militaires in charge of Scientific Policy (orientation, evaluation, cooperation, publications). He received his PhD in Mechanics from Ecole Centrale Paris and is currently a Professor in Material Science at ENSTA (an engineering school in Paris). Areas in which he has worked include composite materials, thermal and mechanical simulation tests (crash test, shock, vibrations), research in ceramics materials for their electromagnetic properties, general structural design (CAD-CAM, etc.), and energetic materials (propulsion, explosives).

Note: Visitors from outside NIST must contact Cathy Graham; (301) 975-3668; at least 24 hours in advance.