Author Topic: Bussard's polywell (Read 217 times)

moot · « **on:** January 12, 2008, 03:23:40 AM »

Bussard, who also invented stuff like the Bussard ramjet and nuke rockets, recently made a few talks briefing his research under the Navy's embargo, detailing his Polywell fusion theory, and passed away not long afterwards.

To make a long story short, the theory is very promising (much cheaper, simpler and more efficient than e.g. the Tokamak), but hasn't really caught on with any funding to match its promises, yet.
It seems to be getting more attention, though, which can only be a good thing if (as it seems so far) it can deliver everything it's supposed to.. E.G make fossil fuels nearly obsolete, relatively overnight.

http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/01/09/566532.aspx

john9001 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 12, 2008, 08:17:52 AM »

the only drawback i see is the only known source of dilithium crystals is the planet Zorgon, and it is controlled by the Rebel Alliance.

moot · « **Reply #2 on:** January 12, 2008, 09:50:46 AM »

I'm pretty sure the most exotic fuel likely to be used is right here on the Moon, in huge quantities.

FrodeMk3 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 12, 2008, 02:07:55 PM »

In the article, they stated that the WB-6 has made plasma. If they are able to succesfully control it, Then this could be VERY promising, even more so than the ITER project in France.

moot · « **Reply #4 on:** January 12, 2008, 03:03:04 PM »

Here's one of his last talks from last year, briefing the polywell research up to then.