Discover our contribution to fusion innovation
From November 9 to 14, our colleagues Alexandre Sureda, Fernando Scarafia, and Martín Gorriarán participated in the 16th International Symposium on Fusion Nuclear Technology (ISFNT-16) in the United States, one of the world’s leading forums on breeder blanket technology, fusion engineering, and nuclear materials.
Multiphysics & Breeder Blanket Modelling Contribution
Alexandre and Fernando presented the work developed under the UKAEA-funded LIBRTI programme, carried out in collaboration with the University of Bristol, demonstrating IDOM Nuclear Services’ growing expertise in multiphysics analysis for breeder blanket systems.
Their poster, “Parametric multiphysics workflow for evaluating tritium breeder blanket performance”, showcased a unified end-to-end framework for breeder unit and full-blanket assessment. The workflow integrates:
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ParaBlank, IDOM’s parametric geometry tool (CadQuery-based).
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Fully scripted 2D–3D meshing using Gmsh with consistent cross-disciplinary physical tagging.
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Neutron transport using OpenMC + DAGMC via Cardinal.
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Thermal-hydraulics and thermomechanics using the MOOSE framework developed by the Idaho National Laboratory (INL).
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Multiscale tritium transport modelling using TMAP8.
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Surrogate models to link mock-up scale physics with full breeder blanket performance.
During ISFNT-16, Alexandre and Fernando met and discussed the work with collaborators from both the UK and the USA, including colleagues from INL, universities, and industry partners, strengthening the technical links that support joint development of open-source multiphysics tools for fusion.
RAMI & Safety Engineering Contribution
In parallel, Martín Gorriarán presented “Impact of RAMI and Risk Analyses on different design stages of fusion systems”, highlighting how structured Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Inspectability (RAMI) methodologies contribute to the safe and reliable operation of complex fusion systems.
His contribution emphasised:
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The benefits of early RAMI integration to reduce redesign and cost.
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Trade-off analyses between safety constraints and system availability.
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Use of FMECA, Reliability Block Diagrams and hazard identification to guide design decisions.
Building global connections
Beyond presentations, our team engaged with partners from INL, UKAEA, and industry, strengthening collaborations for open-source multiphysics tools. They also visited the Nuclear Department of the University of Tennessee, where they stopped by the X-ray and the D-D neutron generators, glimpsing into the next chapter of fusion energy.
Before returning to the UK, Alexandre and Fernando visited the Type One Energy offices and the TVA Bull Run Fossil Plant, the future site of the Infinity One stellarator prototype, gaining first-hand insight into one of the most ambitious fusion projects currently being prepared in the United States.
