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: A really small Star in a Jar, sonoluminescence.
Date: Dec 06, 11:35 am
Poster: Richard HullOn Dec 06, 11:35 am, Richard Hull wrote:
>Fusorites,
>
>I recently read a Popular Science article titled "Star in a Jar" about the phenomenon of sonoluminescence (that funky little flashing light that can be produced by exciting water with ultrasound) . Well the theory goes that it is caused by the sudden implosion of a 50 um gas bubble. They claim that spectral analysis says the bubble is over 10,000 degrees Celsius. Pressure, heat, the perfect environment for a fusion reaction, correctol? So some water with deuterium was used and tested for neutron output. The calculations said that if they "were to tile the world with these SL devices ... and they generated thermonuclear fusion for an hour, all the energy put together would be able to heat a cup of water one degree".
snip.....
Perhaps more mainstream attention would be good for the Fusor. Enough attention to the subject and someone is bound to pick up a higher level Fusor program!
>
>Sincerely,
>Joshua Resnick
>
>
>Joshua,
The sonoluminescent phenomena is probably related to some hitherto unknwon water bond issues. I have worked with Dr. Peter Graneau as a confirming lab back in 96 as to the anomolous energy released in water arc explosions. We have had a formal 4 author paper making the rounds on this for 2 years. It even went to peer review in two journals, but has had a real rough ride. The hydrosonic pump of Jim Griggs, (Hydrosonics, Inc, GA), is a mechanical cavitation device which also is a unique use of water energy release, as is sonoluminescense.
In all three cases, the excess energy is always low grade heat, incapable of producing super heated dry steam. There is no vast electrical capability here. However, as Jim Griggs notes, we blow billions of KWH per year heating water for home use and any device which can do that well is good.
Graneau and myself feel all these processes involves the release of solar energy trapped in the water molecule's bond energy. A process which we can find no references on.
Finally it is interesting to note that all of the supposed "cold-fussion processes" involve water and electrical, vibrational, cavitational or other sources of stimulation to yield heat. Any boiling produces only very wet steam which is not all that useful. The closer the processes come to steam, the lower the coefficient of performance drops.
Enough on the above processes as they appear to be intriguing and paradoxical, but non-nuclear.
YES.... The fusor and IEC must be looked at with a critical eye, and seriously by folks with funding.
Nuclear energy is the key to large electrical energy supplies we will need in the 21st century, without choking to death on greehouse gases.
Richard Hull