oak ridge

How the Ramjet Became a Trans-Medium Fusion Drone

Analysis Robert Bussard Interstellar Ramjet evolution trans medium fusion drone. Bussard1960 concept collecting interstellar hydrogen electromagnetic scoop hydrogen fusion drive vehicle efficiently faster went collecting hydrogen allowing travel high percentage speed light.1 Subsequent studies serious drag issues solved plasma sheath laser pre ionize air plasma bubble eliminating drag. Concept criticized insufficient hydrogen outer space hydrogen abundant atmosphere water making trans medium capability air water plasma fusion powered. Bussard career Oak Ridge National Laboratory working Nuclear Energy Propulsion Aircraft NEPA project Los Alamos Project Rover NASA predecessor NACA evolved NERVA nuclear thermal propulsion prototyped Nevada desert proving technically achievable. 1950s early cold war fusion propulsion systems nuclear reactor heating propellant hydrogen high temperature expelling rocket nozzle creating thrust greater chemical engines flights Earth orbit birth Bussard ramjet engine. Tokamak criticism Bussard moved Washington policy assistant director Atomic Energy Commission fusion division Robert Hirsch oil shock expanded fusion budget advocating large programs Tokamak political organizational lever initially tactical strategic became budget preserving project rather power producing struggle confine neutral plasmas crippling losses scaling amplified cost complexity. Polywell fusion device combining electrostatic magnetic confinement magnetic cusp fields magnetic mirror magnetic bubble plasma stays cusp edge pinching balloon particles try escape follow magnetic field path circle trapped mirror polywell electrons trapped chamber mirror create negative electric potential virtual cathode positively charged ions attracted negative region fall well gain speed collide high energies magnetic electrostatic fusion device virtual cathode formed purely electrons avoiding collisions associated energy losses magnetic coils arranged faces cube producing cusp regions edges corners high plasma pressures high beta effect internal plasma push magnetic field trap effectively polyhedral shape donuts connected create cusps magnetic fields shoot particles axially superconducting tokamak magnets prevent plasma touching components MH370 orbs polyhedral shape spherical plasma.