At IRDL, Ronan Meillour has developed a simulation method to predict the impact of residual laser energy in nuclear dismantling.
Ronan Meillour, chercheur·e au sein de IRDL (Institut National Polytechnique de Bretagne).
Thèse soutenue en 2025 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Sciences Pour l'Ingénieur (Lorient ; 2022-....).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
Laser cutting has become a preferred method for the dismantling of nuclear facilities, but it poses major safety challenges. Indeed, the residual laser energy, which is not absorbed by the cut material, can cause thermomechanical damage to surrounding structures. This damage can manifest as cracks, deformations, or even ruptures of critical materials, raising crucial questions about the safety of dismantling operations. How can we ensure that these operations proceed without compromising the integrity of the facilities? The answer to this question is of paramount importance for the nuclear industry, where safety is a top priority.
Ronan Meillour, at the Institut National Polytechnique de Bretagne, has undertaken doctoral research to develop predictive models capable of quantifying this residual energy. By combining numerical and experimental approaches, he aims to overcome the lack of predictive models in this field. This research is of critical importance for the nuclear industry, as it could transform the way dismantling operations are planned and executed. Indeed, accurate models would allow for anticipating the effects of residual laser energy on surrounding materials, which could significantly reduce the risks associated with these operations.
The results of this thesis could also encourage further studies on residual laser energy, thus filling a gap in the scientific literature. Indeed, understanding the coupled physical phenomena during laser cutting is essential for improving the safety of operations. The developed models will not only predict the distribution of residual energy but also optimize cutting processes to minimize risks. For example, by adjusting cutting parameters such as laser power or movement speed, it would be possible to reduce the residual energy generated, which would help protect surrounding structures.
It is imperative that decision-makers take these advancements into account in their dismantling strategies. Recommendations arising from this research could influence safety standards and industrial practices. By integrating these models into dismantling protocols, it is possible to improve the safety and efficiency of operations while reducing costs associated with potential damages. For instance, by adopting practices based on solid scientific data, companies could avoid costly accidents and ensure the safety of workers and facilities.
Ronan Meillour's thesis represents a significant advancement in understanding laser cutting mechanisms. It paves the way for safer and more efficient applications in industrial dismantling, a sector where safety is paramount. The implications of this research could also extend to other fields where laser cutting is used, such as the automotive or aerospace industries. In these sectors, mastering residual laser energy could also contribute to improving the quality of finished products and reducing waste generated during manufacturing processes.
In summary, Ronan Meillour's research is not limited to the nuclear industry alone. It offers promising prospects for all sectors using laser cutting, reinforcing the relevance of this work beyond the strictly nuclear framework. By integrating these advancements into industrial practices, it is possible to create a safer working environment while fostering innovation and efficiency. The stakes are therefore multiple and touch on both the safety of operations, environmental protection, and the profitability of companies. It is therefore crucial that this research be supported and encouraged to ensure a safer future for all.
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Sources et accès
Ronan Meillour. Prédiction par simulation numérique de la propagation et de l’impact de l’énergie laser résiduelle lors de la découpe laser de forte épaisseur pour le démantèlement. Thermique [physics.class-ph]. Université de Bretagne Sud, 2025. Français. ⟨NNT : 2025LORIS749⟩. ⟨tel-05553952⟩