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Z Machine Makes Progress Toward Nuclear Fusion

Posted by timothy on from the soon-free-energy-and-cheap-electric-cars dept.

sciencehabit writes Scientists are reporting a significant advance in the quest to develop an alternative approach to nuclear fusion. Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, using the lab's Z machine, a colossal electric pulse generator capable of producing currents of tens of millions of amperes, say they have detected significant numbers of neutrons — byproducts of fusion reactions — coming from the experiment. This, they say, demonstrates the viability of their approach and marks progress toward the ultimate goal of producing more energy than the fusion device takes in.

4 of 151 comments (clear)

  1. No where close by sjbe · · Score: 3, Informative

    From TFA:

    "Although the result shows that a substantial number of reactions is taking place—100 times as many as the team achieved a year ago—the group will need to produce 10,000 times as many to achieve breakeven."

    In other words they aren't even remotely close to a meaningful breakthrough. Nothing to see here, move along...

  2. Re: I just hope by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    Exactly in fission you are trying to hold the reaction back. That's why it can run away. Think of it like holding a dog against a leash. It the leash breaks the dog is gone.

    Fusion is the opposite. It's like trying pull a mule. You can barely get the thing moving.

  3. Re:More information: by swb · · Score: 4, Informative

    Can you imagine if we put the war on drugs budget against fusion power instead? If we had started 40 years ago we might already have it.

  4. Flashblock by tepples · · Score: 3, Informative

    Really all you need is Flashblock. I install Flashblock, I see 0 video ads on text sites.

    ObTopic: But if you install Flashblock and try to use the Z Machine, you'll have to click before Flaxo will start.