Ep 74: Richard Barrett, Nuclear Regulatory Commission

In this episode we discuss... Richard's background in physics and engineering and his personal journey in the nuclear industry Richard's work at Los Alamos creating codes to calculate ways in which neutrons interact with devices including nuclear and fusion reactors Different groups in which neutrons are categorized depending on their energy range and cross section A deep dive into the Fast Breeder Reactor Program sponsored by the Department of Energy Richard's work in various departments at the NRC including the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation The highly precise processes within frontline safety systems How the NRC interacts with developers to bring forth new technologies including the AP600 Risk informed nuclear oversight and the probabilities it takes into consideration Accident circumstance design deficiencies the NRC has worked to resolve throughout its history Richard's recent work with AdSTM providing consulting and training to regulatory bodies including the NRC