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: IEC in the news
Date: Apr 14, 09:56 am
Poster: Richard Hull

On Apr 14, 09:56 am, Richard Hull wrote:


>
>Looks like this stuff is getting more mainstream.

Yes, IEC fusion is causing a few folks to take a second look.

Dr. Robert Bussard is currently working with fusors. I posted a lot about his efforts earlier on this list. His original dream long ago was to use fusion for space propulsion. He wrote a lot on it and even projected a form of hydrogen ram jet for space propulsion. His work of the Nerva project and the KIWI nuclear rocket programs in the 60's in legendary.

Yes, both he and Robert Hirsch have kept the IEC dream and the notion of the fusor alive in their hearts since the demise of the ITT Farnsworth original effort in the late 60's. George Miley is the current leader in the work with something cranking in a lab. Bussard is currently setting up for serious work on power fusor design.

I note now the this new fellow in Pennsylvania is pulsing the system. I also mentioned earlier on this list that hydrogen thyratron pulsing might boost neutron producition based on higher peak pulse current levels. I now think that the device could be made into a nice relaxation oscillator with the fusor replacing the hydrogen thyratron. This will require a little work to finalize though.

Richard Hull