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: Are we really at 80 keV effective energy?
Date: Jun 09, 10:59 am
Poster: Richard HullOn Jun 09, 10:59 am, Richard Hull wrote:
>Eli wrote:
>
>>Sounds like double counting. The velocity is proportional to the square root of the kinetic energy. Doubling the 20 kev to 40 kev....
>
>But that's just it, Eli. We're not doubling the energy. In the fusor's head-on collisions, the relative velocity between the two deuterons is twice their lab-frame velocity V. Period!...no two ways about it. Therefore, the collision dynamics are the same as if we sent one deuteron at 2V towards a stationary deuteron. What is the energy of a deuteron that is moving at twice the velocity of a 20 keV deuteron? Answer: 80 keV.
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I have to now agree here based on looking at the system from all relative positions. That means we are way, way, beyond the required 400 million degrees kelvin (880million degrees) where fusion is possible even at the low 20kv potentials!
However, as I have noted before, only a tiny fraction of the total deuteron population is ever at fusion energy in this region and only a tiny fraction of these few hit at a significant head on angle to do fusion. This is due to the simplicity of the device we are using. I hope to get a system similar to the Hirsch-Meeks patent going someitime which should allow for more fusion energy deuterons arriving at the inner grid.
I don't think I'll do the S-1 photocathode, but even a standard second grid and simple dispenser cathode would boost deuteron production out near where we need them.
Richard Hull