TITLE: "Nuclear Reactor Physics and Regulation"

SPEAKER: Michael T. Cash,

TIME: Thursday Sept. 12, 2002 at 4 PM

PLACE: George P. Williams, Jr. Lecture Hall, (Olin 101)

This discussion forum will provide an overview of the development of the science surrounding nuclear reactors and the associated regulation of atomic power reactors. The forum will first provide an overview of the early developments in nuclear physics that revealed the potential for unlocking the enormous energy associated with the fission of isotopes of uranium or plutonium. There will also be an overview of the basic physics in neutron chain reacting systems and a historically relevant but simplistic model useful in understanding chain reacting systems. The physics discussion will conclude with a brief summary of important physical processes at work in an operating commercial nuclear reactor and modern methods used in modeling reactor behavior. There will be a brief summary of the development of nuclear reactor technology following the discovery of fission. This discussion will build on the earlier concepts regarding physics of neutron chain reacting systems. The summary will trace the history from the first man made self sustaining nuclear chain reacting system to the emergence of large scale commercial power reactors that generate electricity today. The overview of reactor technology development will describe key elements incorporated in nuclear power plant design and construction. Key safety considerations that were factored into original plant design and construction efforts will be reviewed with a focus on the development of the associated regulatory framework. Finally, the forum will cover the development and nature of the regulatory framework under which nuclear power reactors are licensed and inspected. This discussion will focus on the scientific basis of some of these regulations as well as other influences that have shaped this regulatory framework. This section of the forum will describe the general contents and scope of the regulatory framework and then provide a more detailed review of three specific focus areas of existing regulations.