> As established by arethuza, hot fusion has been accomplished for some time ...
Let's be clear about what we're talking about. A fusion generator by definition produces more power than it requires. Apart from stars and thermonuclear devices, this has not been achieved anywhere. Without clear terminology, we will go in circles.
Also, the NASA project documents specify and require a net power gain in the fusion reaction:
Quote: "an in-depth analysis of the rocket design and spacecraft integration as well as mission architectures enabled by the FDR need to be performed. Fulfilling these three elements form the major tasks to be completed in the proposed Phase II study. A subscale, laboratory liner compression test facility will be assembled with sufficient liner kinetic energy (~ 0.5 MJ) to reach fusion breakeven conditions."
> Nowhere in this thread was there a claim about power generation.
Except in the NASA documents that describe the project under discussion.
Let's be clear about what we're talking about. A fusion generator by definition produces more power than it requires. Apart from stars and thermonuclear devices, this has not been achieved anywhere. Without clear terminology, we will go in circles.
Also, the NASA project documents specify and require a net power gain in the fusion reaction:
http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/niac/2012_phaseII...
Quote: "an in-depth analysis of the rocket design and spacecraft integration as well as mission architectures enabled by the FDR need to be performed. Fulfilling these three elements form the major tasks to be completed in the proposed Phase II study. A subscale, laboratory liner compression test facility will be assembled with sufficient liner kinetic energy (~ 0.5 MJ) to reach fusion breakeven conditions."
> Nowhere in this thread was there a claim about power generation.
Except in the NASA documents that describe the project under discussion.