Fusion Message Board

In this space, visitors are invited to post any comments, questions, or skeptical observations about Philo T. Farnsworth's contributions to the field of Nuclear Fusion research.

Subject: Re: Stable plasma ring
Date:
Poster: Scott Stephens

On , Scott Stephens wrote:

>I have a copy of report sent a few months
>back in a space message board that I was
>member of...

>If anybody wants to read it I will
>email them the PDF file.

Ha ha, beat ya too it, if you check my older rantings here. The website has other stuff about fusion space propulsion, et. What a concept. A stable plasma toroid that can accelerate, focus, and possibly consist in a stable configuration and dynamicaly conform to evolving conditions, in such a way as to trap and confine fusion energy.

IMHO I realy don't believe that it can be stable long-term, outside high vacuum, that is more than a few milliseconds. I think any ions getting in the electron orbits would quickly radiate away energy unless they get trapped somehow.

Here's some more on it:

http://peaches.niac.usra.edu/studies/9801/9801Final/SewardFinal.pdf
NASA INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED CONCEPTS
NIAC CP 98-01
FINAL REPORT
Report Title:
Low cost space transportation using a stable plasma for energy storage

SECTION 8.0
REFERENCES
Chen, C. (1999) “Equilibrium and Stability Properties of Cold-Fluid Electron Spiral Toroids.”
EPS, Inc. 42 Washington Drive. Acton, Massachusetts 01720. 978-263-3871. March 1999.
Degnan, J. H. et al. (1993). “Compact Toroid Formation, Compression, and Acceleration,”
Physics of Fluids B%, 2938, 1993.
Difilippo, F. (1998) “Nuclear Modules for Space Electric Propulsion.” CP420, Space
Technology and Applications International Forum-1998. DOE CONF-980103. The American
Institute of Physics. 1-56396-747-2/98.
Gilbert, S. L., Bollinger, J. J., and Wineland, D. J. (1998) “Shell-Structure Phase of
Magnetically Confined Strongly Coupled Plasmas.” Phys Rev Ltrs, V60, No20. 16 May 1988.
Kiuttu, G. F., et al. (1994). “Acceleration and Compression of Compact Toroid Plasmas,” Proc.
BEAMS’94, p150. 1994.
Howe, S.D., DeVolder, B., Thode, L., and Zerkle, D. (1998). “Reducing the Risk to Mars: The
Gas Core Nuclear Rocket.” CP420, Space Technology and Applications International Forum-1998.
DOE CONF-980103. The American Institute of Physics. 1-56396-747-2/98.
Miller, D. W., and Spores, R. A. (1998). “Formation Flying and Micro-Propulsion Workshop.”
AFRL/VS 3550 Aberdeen Ave SE. Kirtland AFB NM 87117-5776. October 1998.
Morgan, T., Clark, P. (1998). Jane’s Space Directory 1998-99. Jane’s Information Group;
ISBN: 0710618107. (October 1998)
NASA Brochure (1998): “Aeronautics and Space Transportation Technology: Three Pillars for
Success.” www. Nasa.gov.
Seward, D.C. (1992) US Patent, Fixed Geometry Plasma and Generator. US Patent No.
5,175,466. 1992.
Seward, D. C. (1996a) US Patent, Energy Storage System. US Patent No. 5,589,727.
Seward, D. C., Chen, C., Temkin, R. (1996b). International Patent Application WO
96/38848, Energy Storage Device, Published 5 December 1996.
Seward, D. C. (1998a) US Patent, Electron Spiral Toroid, US Patent 5,773,919. 1998.

Seward, D. C. (1998b) Final Report: “The Electron Spiral Toroid (EST) for Energy Storage.”
Contract No. DSWA01-97-M-0537. Defense Special Weapons Agency, Alexandria Virginia
22310-3398. October 1998. (Proprietary).
Seward, D. C. (1998c) “Propulsion Using the Electron Spiral Toroid.” CP420 Space
Technology and Applications International Forum – 1998. DOE CONF – 980103. The
American Institute of Physics. 1-56396-74