[Dean's World] Dave Price: Polywell Fusion Update

[notify at powerblogs.com]

Posted by Dave Price:
Polywell Fusion Update
http://www.deanesmay.com/posts/1184712395.shtml


   Here's a [1]nice little video that graphically illustrates how the
   magnetic well in the Polywell IEC fusion device forms (there is now
   [2]proof it does form). The little flashes later in the video
   represent ions fusing. Here is [3]Bussard's original presentation to
   Google, which sparked interest in the [4]Polywell concept.
   [5]This extremely technical discussion, with lots of scary equations,
   is apparently the key to whether IEC fusion of one type or another
   will pan out and usher in a new age of cheap energy abundance, or just
   waste everyone's time and money on a wild goose chase. It applies to
   both of the currently proposed IEC fusion machines are (Bussardâs
   Polywell and the [6]Tri-Alpha colliding beam machine being built by
   Rostoker/Monckton). Itâs from 1998, and is essentially a debate over
   whether the magnetic field in the Rostoker/Monckton colliding-beam IEC
   fusion device can reduce the thermalization (the tendency of the
   system to collapse to [7]thermodynamic equilibrium). (Another issue is
   discussed as well, but it pertains only to the colliding-beam
   version.)
   Riderâs earlier paper, cited by Nevins, supposedly proves the magnetic
   field cannot affect the entropy of the system. Rostoker/Monckton claim
   that Rider and Nevins used the wrong equation to describe the
   situation in an IEC machine, choosing conditions that don't reflect
   the reality of these devices. (Bussard has not presented a paper as of
   yet, though we might get one this year, but apparently makes
   essentially the same argument.) These are all serious scientists.
   There is apparently no definitive reference that resolves the
   difference of opinion. Most likely weâll have to build the machines to
   know whoâs right.
   M. Simon of [8]Power and Control is attempting to design a WB-7
   Polywell fusion device, based on Bussardâs âValencia papersâ
   describing his work and some help from Tom Ligon (who worked with
   Bussard), that would provide definitive, repeatable, testable proof
   beyond any doubt. Effort is ongoing [9]in this thread, with notes
   [10]in this forum as well. Kinda neat, really; itâs a real [11]Army of
   Davids kind of approach.
   Of course, [12]Tri-Alpha just got $40M to build their demo model, so
   theyâll probably be first past the post if they have a viable path to
   economical fusion power. But things will get pretty crazy (i.e.,
   billions being thrown around at anyone with pretty PowerPoint slides,
   a la the 1999 Web bubble) if anyone can prove IEC fusion works,
   especially with oil staying over $70/bbl.

References

   1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmp1cg3-WDY
   2. http://wwwsoc.nii.ac.jp/aesj/division/fusion/aesjfnt/Yoshikawa.pdf
   3. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1996321846673788606
   4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polywell
   5. http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/281/5375/307a
   6. http://www.google.com/patents?id=eG0TAAAAEBAJ&dq=fusion+rostoker
   7. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermodynamic_equilibrium
   8. http://powerandcontrol.blogspot.com/
   9. http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=5367&mid=136500#M136500
  10. http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/IEC_Fusion/
  11. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/105-0850993-8229240?initialSearch=1&url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=army+of+davids&Go.x=7&Go.y=5
  12. http://advancednano.blogspot.com/2007/06/tri-alpha-energy-raises-40-million-in.html