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: Fusor Operation - a general question
Date: Jul 05, 8:47 am
Poster: Richard Hull

On Jul 05, 8:47 am, Richard Hull wrote:


>Reaction rates of 10^12 are just micro amperes of reacting ions...which at 20 kev or so..gives a return on investment of nearly 50 to one. (1watt to 0.020 W input)... not counting pumpdown energy and chamber/grid heating. The one shot and recirc approach seems to sidestep grid losses entirely.


I have not done the calorimetry, but I would imagine grid losses, while significant, can't be even 2% of the total losses. I find all of the real loss occurs due to electrons slamming into the outer shell.

After about 10 minutes of operation at 10ma - 22kv, the outer SS shell can't be touched at about 180 degrees F! I think all of that 220 watts goes into heating the outer shell. It is just part of the simple fusor's natural loss mechanism.

Finding a way to turn them or utilize their kinetic energy would be a positive step. Some have suggested multiple decelerator grids and other schemes. Some parties (pros) are working on this now. We amateurs can't respond to these issue quickly due to budgetary and time restrictions. Most of us do this out of pocket and after we leave our real jobs.

I'll be curious to see who and if we amateurs will address this issue physically.

Richard Hull