An Outrage?

[zomboconjon]

Currently I'm rereading "The Way Things Work" by David Macaulay.  It is an abundantly illustrated children's book meant to explain how things work in simple terms, or should I say basic mechanics.  Not a very enlightening reread (in fact I've found many places where the book is mistaken) but still fun at times and always nostalgic, but there is one

Comments

[asthehawkflies]

You have to remember, though, how dangerous fusion is and is also PERCEIVED to be. The public is terrified, not nervous-but-also-excited. Fusion isn't a topic any layman wants to get into, and maybe that makes a difference.

[aelfscine]

It also means that the current energy-producing industries would be up the famed fecal creek.

[zomboconjon]

I wonder about this too. The economic implications of having a very cheap, reliable energy source would be very bad for a number of different industries, so maybe it's being held back due to political/economical reasons. Similar to why hybrid and electric cars are not more prevalent today.

[zomboconjon]

Actually, Fusion reactors will be/are much less dangerous than current fission reactors. Because the conditions for fusion are so extreme fusion will not take place outside the reactors if containment is lost or if the equipment is damaged in someway. Instead the reaction will stop, unlike fission reactors that depend on control rods to keep the reaction in check. So in fission we contain the reaction and in fusion we sustain it. Fusion may be perceived to be dangerous that I do not know.

All I know is that I've been geeked about fusion reactors since "Simcity 2000" and high school chemistry.

Aneutronic Fusion & A Doable Tech to Get Us to ITER in 2050

[erichj]

I thought your readers would be interested in looking at these energy technologies and EPS's theoretic base for ball lighting