Bussards description of WB-6 Startup, explained.

[D Tibbets]

The magnetic field was turned on last and ramped up for the Beta=1 tests, not for the neutron counting tests. The plasma pressure came from injected electrons and ionized background neutrals. Note that the neutrals was at a pressure of ~ 10-5 Torr (~ 10^-7 atms). This would have provided plenty of plasma pressure in the lower voltage, lower B field Beta tests. No gas puffing was used.
For the neutron count tests, the sequence was ~ what I suggested.

The report was " Final Successful Tests of WB 6" but since it was withdrawn I doubt if previously open copies could be copied or linked.

Dan Tibbets

[KitemanSA]

For some unknown reason, I always had the impression that the process was something like this.

Code: Select all

1)   Open the copper switch.
2)   Ensure gas solenoid switch is closed. (tank pressure < 1E-6 torr)
3)   Enable all recording instrumentation.
4)   Charge section of gas tubing to desired value (usually 300mtorr).
5)   Activate heating current for emitters, via Siemens switch.
6)   Enable the Hipo power supply, and charge capacitors to desired voltage.
7)   Disable Hipo, via “Stop Charge”, while leaving caps charged.
8)   Turn on magnetic field to desired value, via battery bank IGBTs.
9)   Close copper switch, thus allowing emitters to start emitting electrons
10)  Close relay for gas solenoid; gas into system, discharge cap bank.
11)  Turn off uncooled magnets, once sure caps have discharged.
12)  Secure emitters, gas line, high voltage, and stop recording data.

Which is; first magnets, then electrons (undirected), then charge + gas.
But what do I know?

[ladajo]

so it says:
Magnets
e- trickle
ions (gas)
e- slam

zippy zoom
fusions