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