Talk-Polywell.org

I had a weird idea. The main issue being tested is if the power scales as Dr B described. Everyone seems to be suggesting changing multiple parameters while increasing size. Why not try the reverse? Make an identically designed polywell that is 50% smaller THAN wb 7? It would be significantly cheaper than a larger one and would accurately test the scaling issues. You would be only changing one parameter that would test the main premise. Just an idea...

I asked that one once.

The answer was that the more interesting and lesser known phenomena are at the larger sizes and higher fields.
Also, the equations' nonlinearities become more important as it gets larger and the fields stronger.
Also there were a number of early experiments at smaller sizes.

But could it be worthwhile in any way, and affordable enough for an amateur ?

Betruger wrote:But could it be worthwhile in any way, and affordable enough for an amateur ?

http://prometheusfusionperfection.wordpress.com/

Very cool, thanks.

tombo wrote: Also there were a number of early experiments at smaller sizes.

I see what you are saying, but the earlier experiments were with different configurations. If the design was identical even small changes would be significant. I guess the question really is how much would a smaller identical machine cost. If a reduction of 50% or 25% in size would cost 50% or 75% of the price or even 40% or 65%, it probably wouldn't be worth it.

pfrit wrote:I had a weird idea.

Not so weird.

Power supply would be the same, but for a device 50% smaller, for example. SO WB-6 would generate 128x more fusion than a 1/2 size device should......

There is private money around, whether grants or arranging for a special college endowment.

I think this could be a low cost method to look at scaling, though I fear accuracy will lose out on the small scale.