Prior Art
I have to start with fantastic rendering by Tony Rusi and Skip Baker. A concept coil arrangement that could improve reactor efficiency 3 fold. But alas, the coils are only one of the challenges at hand. A net power polywell is going to be a heterogeneous kaleidoscopic assemblage of radio frequency, electric, magnetic, structural, thermal and particle needs. We must consider the reactor as a whole.
This is Figure 2 from U.S Patent 4202725 - Converging Beam Fusion System. The patent is from 1980, the system described is flawed but the drawings are intriguing. I dont consider it to scale but i still find it highly relevant today. Funny how the core almost resembles the concept coil renderings above. Heck i wonder if that patent gave Dr Bussard any ideas ?
Art that is prior art. How Ironic.
Is this most viable picture we have yet of a Net Power Polywell ? I predict that future polywells will feature geodesic domes (built from triangles). Why ? It is the only man-made structure that becomes proportionally stronger as it increases in size. Construction costs will be cut dramatically as we will only have to cast one simple triangular module and repeat for the entire outer shell. The triangular intersections will allow easy symmetrical spacing of particle injection/removal, Radio frequency drive for POPS along cusp axis and other essential systems. The concept is many small systems can add up. The triangular construction will also provide for novel construction of a 3MV grid for Direct electric conversion of alpha particles. Upgrade/worn modules could be easily replaced. Geodesic triangular modules could easily be transported via conventional rockets which would allow for the construction of large reactors in space.
Inside the geodesic dome i see a an electron cloud which represents the outer limit of recirculating electrons.
Further inside i see the Magrid. WB6 had 6 coils, the concept drawing (top) has 12. If the number of coils can increase efficiency then a net power polywell could appear more like the grid in the drawing (but with no where as many) Pending superconductor/materials advancements i could also imagine using the coils constant magnetic field to keep the Magrid suspended in the centre of the of the machine allowing for minimum tethering/sputtering/contamination issues.
Inside of this i see a virtual cathode cloud, inside of which i see a virtual anode. Both will be pulsating from being driven with RF. The secret to the reactors success will be exciting these to follow something like a four stroke engine cycle.
Intake, Compression, Ignition, Exaust. Here in Lies the magic.
Who knows what electromagnetic symphonies will play at the heart of a Net Power Polywell.
I hope these Mandala can inspire designers of WB10's and beyond.
And finally M.C. Escher didn't get the news that grids were out, but this has been a personal favorite of mine for some time.
