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A reconsideration of electrostatically accelerated and confined nuclear fusion for space applications.

Macleod, Christopher; Gow, Kenneth S.

Authors

Christopher Macleod

Kenneth S. Gow



Abstract

Most present-day research into Nuclear Fusion concentrates on high-temperature plasmas combined with Inertial or Magnetic Confinement. However, there exists another body of less well-known work based on Electrostatic Acceleration and Confinement. The most thoroughly researched of these devices is known as the Farnsworth Fusor. This paper reviews the technique and then argues that, with development, similar technologies would be particularly suited to space-borne applications, due to their safety, simplicity and light weight. The paper then goes on to suggest several possible directions for new research into such devices which might result in a working machine.

Citation

MACLEOD, C. and GOW, K.S. 2010. A reconsideration of electrostatically accelerated and confined nuclear fusion for space applications. Journal of the British Interplanetary Society [online], 63(5/6), pages 192-205. Available from: http://jbis.org.uk/paper.php?p=2010.63.192

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Dec 31, 2010
Online Publication Date Dec 31, 2010
Publication Date Dec 31, 2010
Deposit Date Apr 4, 2011
Publicly Available Date Apr 4, 2011
Journal Journal of the British Interplanetary Society
Print ISSN 0007-084X
Publisher British Interplanetary Society
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 63
Issue 5-6
Pages 192-205
Keywords Nuclear fusion; Fusers; Fuseotron; Scram; Electromagnetic activation; Inertial electrostatic confinement; Propulsion; Power; Electrostatic acceleration
Public URL http://hdl.handle.net/10059/587
Publisher URL http://jbis.org.uk/paper.php?p=2010.63.192
Contract Date Apr 4, 2011

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