Titans Of Nuclear | Interviewing World Experts on Nuclear Energy

In this episode we discuss... Seth Grae's background in law and personal journey in the nuclear industry The origin of LightBridge and its consultative history Proliferation risk in traditional light water reactors Safeguarding against weaponization of nuclear fuel byproducts Fukushima and its impact on the nuclear industry Challenges that are driving the future focus of LightBridge A deep dive into the design process at LightBridge LightBridge's joint venture with Framatome Next steps for commercialization of LightBridge's new fuel technology The importance of new fuel sources for the future

In this episode we discuss... Thomas' personal journey from his position as United States House Committee on Banking and Currency to Ambassador of the US Arms Control and Disarmament Agency Thomas' role in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons The history of Thomas' company Thorium Power (now Lightbridge) and the work he did with Russian nuclear scientists to improve the fuel cycle How nuclear energy actually played a vital role in halting the spread of nuclear weaponry Thomas' work advocating nuclear and his book Seeing the Light The minimal human health hazards of nuclear compared to those of other energy sources - especially coal Nuclear's many environmental benefits including the prevention of climate change

In this episode we discuss... David's work as Director for the U.S. Department of Energy innovation hub, Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors Core design and refiguration of fuel between cycles Influence of temperature on water density and its effect on the reactor Inherent safety of light water reactors PWR and BWR reactors Independent analysis of reactor core design and fuel optimization Global trends and interactions in the nuclear field Focus of CASTLE, energy innovation hub at NC State CRUD-induced power shift and CRUD-induced localized corrosion Pellet clad interaction Thermohydraulics, dry spots, and departure of nucleate boiling The Future of CASTLE and its contributions to the nuclear industry

In this episode we discuss... Lou's background in fusion and personal journey in the nuclear space Lou's work as the national technical director for molten salt reactors Stellarator versus tokamak plasmas The important roles of neutral beams and pellets Challenges in nuclear fission Uses of hydro reactors in scientific testing A deep dive into Project Prometheus and space power initiatives The resurgence of interest in molten salt reactors The Advanced Reactor Technology program within the U.S. Department of Energy Common challenges among developers and ways in which we can overcome them Interactions of fission products with salt Designing for contingency versus replacement

In this episode we discuss... Kurt's background in microelectronics and early interest in nuclear energy Kurt's work as a nuclear fuel materials expert at Oak Ridge The importance of modeling in establishing predictive practices The value and role of national labs in driving big innovation within the industry The Transformational Challenge Reactor Program Stagnancy within the nuclear industry and ways in which we can overcome it Whether or not advanced manufacturing will have a true impact on nuclear economics SMRs and how they can benefit nuclear economics Challenges of proving safety within the NRC regulations and guidelines Pushing the boundaries of new materials within the nuclear industry

In this episode we discuss... Phil's background in nuclear engineering and personal journey in the nuclear field A deep dive into spallation and how it occurs The Spallation Neutron Source The process of conceptualization to commissioning for SPN The evolution of the fusion industry over the last 40 years Requirements and inherent challenges in achieving fusion Different types of pellets and their uses Strategies for mitigating damage to the wall of the fusion reactor vessel The ITER Home Fusion Experiment Challenges in developing fusion across both national science approaches and private fusion companies

In this episode we discuss... Alan's background in the Navy and personal journey in the nuclear space The role and history of ORNL in the Manhattan Project and across the broader nuclear field Information that can be shared from Navy nuclear experiences to the private sector Characteristics of plutonium 238 and reasons for use The evolution of radioactive waste disposal Alan's work as Associate Laboratory Director at ORNL Creating and implementing a long-term strategic plan for ORNL Development of radio isotopes in other industries, like actinium 225 for targeted alpha therapy in cancer treatment Development and production of californium 222 A deep dive into the Transformational Challenge Reactor Project Learnings and innovation from accelerated deployment and advanced manufacturing techniques

In this episode we discuss... Larry's background in the Navy and personal journey in the nuclear space Differences between reactors on Navy submarines versus private sector Thermal fatigue monitoring program use in determining maximum cycles Different roles and responsibilities across plant operations The role of quality assurance within a nuclear plant and the responsibilities entailed Differences in QA between nuclear and other energy fields Safety features implemented at Calvert Cliffs Emergency preparedness levels, procedures, and simulations Environmental stewardship and the benefits of nuclear to climate A deep dive into inspections and licensing for nuclear plants

In this episode we discuss... Divittore's background growing up near and working at Three Mile Island Dean's work as Radiation Protection Manager at Exelon Radiation exposure levels of nuclear power plant workers ALARA versus linear thresholds for radiation exposure What is a Geiger counter and how is radiation measured? Areas of a power plant that have radioactive activity What are the sources of radiation shielding and how do they work? A deep dive into fuel defects Hot spots and how they form in a controlled environment Flushing and hydrolazing Use of robotics, cameras, drones, and VR in identifying leaks The planned shutdown of Three Mile Island in 2019

In this episode we discuss... Trace's background in nuclear engineering at Penn State and his personal journey in the nuclear field Trace's work and responsibilities as a reactor engineer at Calvert Cliffs Exelon's mentorship and training program The processes behind planning and simulating for power maneuvers Spin fuel storage and the processes for managing it A deep dive into start-up testing and its purposes Updated Final Safety Analysis Report (UFSAR) Maintaining cooling during fuel changes The Special Nuclear Material Custodian role Improving disposal of nuclear waste materials