Ep. 74 - Richard Barrett, Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Published: Sept. 12, 2018, 10 a.m.

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