Dr . Lorenzo Longo | Interaction fluid-structure | Young Scientist Award
Ingénieur chercheur at CEA, France
Dr. Lorenzo Longo is a research engineer with expertise in thermo-hydraulics and nuclear safety systems for advanced reactor designs. With a multidisciplinary academic background and hands-on experience in experimental and numerical modeling, he has significantly contributed to the understanding of fluid-structure interaction in nuclear fuel assemblies. Currently based at CEA Cadarache in France, he is actively involved in innovative nuclear system research, particularly focusing on small modular reactors and safety-critical thermo-fluid processes. Dr. Longo is recognized for his analytical acumen, adaptability across research domains, and proficiency in modern simulation and diagnostic techniques. His international exposure, including a research stint at George Washington University, highlights his global outlook and collaborative spirit. A fluent communicator in English, French, and Italian, he brings cultural and scientific versatility to any team. Dr. Longo’s profile exemplifies the qualities of a next-generation nuclear engineer committed to safety, sustainability, and technological innovation in energy systems.
Professional Profile
Education🎓
Dr. Lorenzo Longo holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Centrale Méditerranée in Marseille, France, where he specialized in experimental and numerical studies of fluid-structure interaction in reduced-scale Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) fuel assemblies. Prior to that, he earned his MSc in Nuclear Engineering from Politecnico di Milano, Italy, with a thesis focused on the seismic behavior of half-scale PWR fuel assemblies, showcasing early expertise in reactor safety. His academic foundation began with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics, also from Politecnico di Milano, where he developed advanced skills in optics and laser spectroscopy. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Longo consistently demonstrated a commitment to interdisciplinary learning and critical thinking, merging engineering principles with complex physical modeling. His educational path is distinguished by a steady progression toward highly specialized knowledge in nuclear energy systems, safety analysis, and dynamic fluid mechanics, laying a strong foundation for his research and professional accomplishments.
Professional Experience📝
Dr. Longo’s professional experience is rooted in his role as a research engineer at CEA Cadarache, one of Europe’s premier nuclear research facilities. Since July 2023, he has been engaged in developing thermo-hydraulic systems and safety mechanisms for next-generation reactors, contributing directly to innovation in nuclear energy. His past internships and research collaborations at CEA include seismic response studies of nuclear fuel assemblies and experimental fluid dynamics in reactor systems. Notably, he completed a visiting research stint at George Washington University, USA, where he deployed Time-Resolved Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) in complex flow configurations. These roles illustrate his strengths in handling both experimental instrumentation and advanced computational techniques. Dr. Longo’s work bridges theoretical engineering principles with practical reactor safety applications, emphasizing real-world impact. His dynamic contributions to international research projects underline his commitment to scientific progress, nuclear safety, and energy sustainability in the context of emerging technological demands.
Research Interest🔎
Dr. Longo’s research interests lie at the intersection of nuclear safety, fluid-structure interaction, and advanced experimental diagnostics for thermo-hydraulic systems. He focuses on the behavior of Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) fuel assemblies under seismic and dynamic loads, combining computational modeling with full-scale experimental validation. His current research explores safety-critical fluid mechanics and thermal behavior in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), aiming to improve the reliability and resilience of future nuclear systems. He is particularly interested in non-intrusive measurement techniques like Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), which enhance the understanding of complex flow behavior in reactor geometries. Additionally, Dr. Longo investigates fluid-structure coupling phenomena to mitigate instabilities and ensure structural integrity under extreme operating conditions. His interdisciplinary approach integrates nuclear engineering, mechanical systems modeling, and advanced instrumentation, reflecting a strong commitment to optimizing safety and efficiency in clean, next-generation nuclear technologies.
Award and Honor🏆
While formal awards are not explicitly listed, Dr. Lorenzo Longo’s recognition is reflected through his prestigious academic and research appointments. Being selected as a Visiting Researcher at George Washington University is a notable honor, enabling him to collaborate on advanced fluid diagnostics using Time-Resolved PIV in nuclear configurations—an opportunity often extended to highly promising researchers. His continuous involvement with CEA Cadarache, a leading European nuclear research institute, across multiple roles including internships, doctoral research, and a full-time engineering position, speaks to his sustained excellence and trust in high-stakes projects. Furthermore, his inclusion in peer-reviewed publications on reactor safety and fluid instability, such as studies on Keulegan–Carpenter instability and drag estimation, highlights his growing academic reputation. Although he may not yet hold mainstream research awards, his professional trajectory and affiliations with elite research institutions serve as a testament to his merit, dedication, and scientific promise in the nuclear engineering field.
Research Skill🔬
Dr. Lorenzo Longo possesses a rich repertoire of research skills that span experimental design, computational modeling, and data analytics. He is proficient in Python, C++, LabVIEW, and LaTeX, which he employs for simulation, control systems, and documentation. His experience with Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) enables high-precision measurement of complex flow fields, particularly in nuclear reactor environments. Dr. Longo is adept at managing and calibrating experimental setups, interpreting sensor data, and executing non-intrusive diagnostics in controlled environments. His work with fluid-structure interaction models demonstrates competence in multiphysics simulations, essential for reactor safety evaluations. He also excels in communicating complex data visually and technically across interdisciplinary teams. With strong analytical thinking and hands-on lab expertise, Dr. Longo consistently bridges theoretical concepts with experimental verification. His research skill set is ideal for addressing multifaceted challenges in thermo-fluid systems and nuclear safety, making him an asset to high-impact engineering research.
Conclusion💡
Dr. Lorenzo Longo demonstrates outstanding technical depth, interdisciplinary fluency, and an international research trajectory in the domain of nuclear engineering and thermo-hydraulic safety systems. His focus on experimental and numerical modeling, combined with strong analytical capabilities, aligns well with the values of a Best Researcher Award.
Publications Top Noted✍
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Title: Deployment of Time-Resolved Particle Image Velocimetry Between Two PWR Surrogate Bundles
Authors: R. Capanna, L. Longo, F. Bazin, G. Ricciardi, P.M. Bardet
Year: 2021
Cited by: 3 -
Title: Drag Coefficient Estimation in FSI for PWR Fuel Assembly Bowing
Authors: L. Longo, K. Cruz, N. Cadot, E. Sarrouy, G. Ricciardi, C. Eloy
Year: 2022
Cited by: 2 -
Title: Threshold of Keulegan–Carpenter Instability Within a 6×6 Rod Bundle
Authors: L. Longo, R. Capanna, G. Ricciardi, P.M. Bardet
Year: 2024 -
Title: Experimental Characterization of PWR Fuel Assemblies Mechanical Behavior Under Hydrodynamic and Seismic-Like Loads
Author: L. Longo
Year: 2023 -
Title: Deployment of Time-Resolved Particle Image Velocimetry Between Two PWR Surrogate Bundles
Authors: P. Bardet, F. Bazin, R. Capanna, L. Longo, G. Ricciardi
Year: 2019 -
Title: Experimental Study on the Behaviour of 4 Half-Scale PWR Fuel Assemblies Under Seismic Excitation
Author: L. Longo
Year: 2018 -
Title: Drag Coefficient Estimation in FSI for PWR Fuel Assembly Bowing
Authors: L. Longo, K. Cruz, E. Sarrouy, G. Ricciardi, C. Eloy
Cited by: Overlap with 2022 version (likely the same or extended work)