Polywell transportation: how small?

If polywell fusion is developed, in what ways will the world change for better or worse? Discuss.

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Nik
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Asymmetry...

Post by Nik »

Silly question, perhaps, but is there any 'lobing' directionality to the emissions ?

Question triggered by 'Theory / Design' thread that mentions doubling coils / solenoid format or stacking polywells adjacently...

Note: Given existing WBs have been short of break-even power, 'lobing' may be moot...

MSimon
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Post by MSimon »

Above atomic number 6 (12?) the shielding is just a question of volume. Because the mass required doesn't vary much. It is all about the number of electrons the photons must pass.
Engineering is the art of making what you want from what you can get at a profit.

BenTC
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Post by BenTC »

MSimon wrote:Above atomic number 6 (12?) the shielding is just a question of volume. Because the mass required doesn't vary much. It is all about the number of electrons the photons must pass.
Does it matter if the electrons are free or bound? Could free electrons in a low temperature plasma like a neon sign have a shielding effect?
In theory there is no difference between theory and practice, but in practice there is.

MSimon
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Post by MSimon »

BenTC wrote:
MSimon wrote:Above atomic number 6 (12?) the shielding is just a question of volume. Because the mass required doesn't vary much. It is all about the number of electrons the photons must pass.
Does it matter if the electrons are free or bound? Could free electrons in a low temperature plasma like a neon sign have a shielding effect?
Bound electrons are better because the nucleus will help with energy absorption. And you also get the advantage of density (lower volume). It is not strictly about electrons. It is also about charges.
Engineering is the art of making what you want from what you can get at a profit.

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