Multiple-technique NDT simulations of realistic configurations at the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA)

The French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is a government agency for research (fundamental and applied) and developments in the various domains of nuclear energy, in coordination with industries (electricity — including plant construction, exploitation and fuel cycle -, medical, waste management and others) and national defense. It plays the further roles of expert for the government and of safety authorities. There are 57 nuclear reactors in France for electricity production (80% of the production), for the testing of which 200 millions of dollars are spent each year. At CEA, 70 people plus 15 PhD students work in NDT laboratories, 20 to 25 being more or less involved in modeling studies.