GB2503758A - Implosive compressing unit - Google Patents

Abstract

An implosive compressing unit includes: impediment means 1,2,3,4 for impeding the electron flux within the interior 5 of the unit such that the electron to ion current-density ratio is low, said impediment means preferably being provided by a magnetic field; an anode 9 which can freely and efficiently Coulomb-explode as a result of said low current-density ratio; and accelerating means such that the explosive flux of ionized atoms from the anode-exterior can cause an implosion of nuclear fusion fuel 11 within the anode-interior by recoil. The energy output to input ratio of the unit exceeds unity as a result of the low current-density ratio due to the use of the impediment means.

Description

Implosive Compressor

Background

This invention relates to a device for compressing condensed matter.

When an attempt is made to compress matter to initiate thermonuclear reactions, additional measures are taken to prevent the anisotropic compression of the nuclear fusion fuel.

However, the use of conventional compression techniques available to non-military sectors of industry can lead to a number of difficulties. When existing laser ablation compression techniques are employed, the user observes anisotropic compression of the fuel. Furthermore, the laser driver is found to consume more energy per ccmpression cycle than the anticipated energy release from f-isbn of the fuel.

Statement of Invention

To overcome these problems, the present invention proposes an implosion compressing unit with impediment means for impeding the electron-flux within the unit-interior, an anode which can freely undergo Coulomb-explosion and compress matter within the anode-interior, and accelerating means such that the flux of ionised atoms from the ancde-exterior can be maximised relative to the flux of electrons permitted to be collected at The anode by the impediment means.

Advantages The impediment means is preferably prcvided by a magnetic field vector component orthogonal to the intended ion flux-vector, although the impediment means may also be provided by other means, such as a diode or anode of small surface area.

The impediment means may be adjustable so that the impedance of the electron-circuit can be modified to suit the electrical potential distribution and the user' s requirements.

The accelerating means is preferably provided by a plurality of cathodes, although the accelerating means may also be provided by other means, such as a plurality of virtual cathodes or at least one cathode or at least one virtual cathode or a combination of at least one cathode and at least one virtual cathode.

The accelerating means may be adjustable so that the electrical potential, geometry and spatial positioning of at least one cathode or at least one virtual cathode can be modified to suit the electrical potential distribution and the user' s requirements.

The implosion compressing unit may be reusable so that disposable anodes may be frequently dispensed from a concealed, stored position into an exposed, operating position.

The implosion compressing unit may be adaptable so that the anode may be a container of nuclear fusion fuel.

The implosion compressing unit may be neutron-absorbing so that the nuclear fusion fuel' s compression within the anode may releaseneutrons whose kinetic energy is transformed to electrical energy via heat energy.

Introduction to Drawings

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an external view of the implosive compressor as seen from the front, a magnetising unit of annular geometry, a ferromagnetic core, an electrode shaft, counter-electrodes, vacuum-chamber, Figure 2 shows an internal view of the implosive compressor as seen from the front with only the vacuum-chamber bisected, a magnetising unit of annular geometry, a ferromagnetic core, an electrode shaft, central electrode, counter-electrodes, Figure 3 shows an internal view of the entire implosive compressor unit bisected and as seen from above, a magnetising unit with annular geometry revealed, a ferromagnetic core with ring geometry revealed, a hollow central electrode, counter-electrodes, vacuum-chamber, Figure 4 shows an internal view of the bisected implosive compressor as seen from the front, the magnetising coil diameter, ferromagnetio oore dimension, ferromagnetic core surface angular position, annular magnetic pole volume position-vector, annular magnetic pole volume angular position, vacuum-chamber surface position-vector, vacuum- chamber surface angular position, electrode shaft radius, counter-electrode surface position-vector, counter-electrode surface polar angular position, a generic perspective-view of the counter-electrode surface azimuthal angular co-ordinate depicted by the double-ended arrowed-loop at the top of the figure, Figure 5 shows an external view of the entire implosive compressor unit bisected as seen from the front, the energised magnetising coil, magnetised ferromagnetic core, annular north magnetic pole, magnetic field, annular south magnetic pole, evacuated volume, electrode shaft, elecfrode shaft insulation, electrode conduit, central electrode, counter electrode, central electrode nuclear fusion fuel core, vacuum chamber surface, Figure 6 follows on from figure 5 and shows the magnetised rings with magnetic field between them depicted by the vertical arrows, the energised electrodes or cathodes depicted by the black rectangles with the electric field depicted by the horizontal arrows radiating from the spherical central electrode or anode depicted by the bold out lined -circle, Figure 7 follows on from figure 6 and shows the pair of cathodes emitting electrons towards the central anode, Figure 8 follows on from figure 7 and shows the anode magnified, Figure 9 follows on from figure 8 and shows ionised atoms on the outer surface of the anode undergo Coulomb-explosion due to the high

electric field emanating from the anode surface,

Figure 10 follows on from figure 9 by showing the implosive compressor at the magnification depicted in figure 7, figure 10 also shows the electrons confined by the vertical magnetic field and form a cloud near the vacuum-chamber inner surface, additionally, figure 10 shows the rapid radial movement of ions outward from the central anode towards the outer cathodes, Figure ii follows on from figure 10 and shows the inward radial recoil of the anode as a result of the outward radial explosion of ions depicted in figure 10, figure ii also depicts the compression of the nuclear fusion fuel contained within the hollow anode, the subsequent nuclear reaction releasing neutrons and nuclei depicted by the downward diagonal arrows and upward diagonal arrow respectively, Figure 12 to figure 31 inclusive shows a second embodiment of the present invention, figure 12 shows the front, left, right and rear sides of the invention as well as the view from underneath the invention, Figure 13 shows the invention as viewed from above, Figure 14 follows on from figure 12 and is a bisected view of the invention, figure 14 also shows annular magnetic north poles, annular magnetic south poles, annular cathodes, Figure 15 follows on from figure 14 and shows the invention as a thin slice as though produced by cutting-actions orthogonal to the axis of observation, figure 15 also shows labels for the vacuum chamber and vacuum chamber inner surface as depicted for the first embodiment of the invention as depicted from figure 1 to figure 11 inclusive, the electrode tube of the second embodiment, the inner neutron shield of the second embodiment, the outer neutron shield of the second embodiment, the thermal regulation shell of the second embodiment, Figure 16 follows on from figure 15 and shows a thin slice of the second embodiment of the invention, the electrode shaft symbolically represented by the black dot enters the exterior-end of the electrode tube, Figure 17 follows on from figure 16 and shows the electrode shaft move downwards from the exterior-end of the electrode tube towards the interior-end of the electrode tube, Figure 18 follows on from figure 17 and shows the electrode tube and electrode shaft magnified, figure 18 also shows the electrode shaft in a non-symbolic depiction move further down the electrode tube, Figure 19 follows on from figure 18 and shows the electrode shaft arrive at the nadir or interior-end of the electrode tube, figure 19 also shows the oentral anode protrude from the surface of the electrode tube lower aperture, Figure 20 shows a further magnifioation of figure 19 with electrode shaft insulation, electrode shaft conduit, anode, electrode tube to electrode shaft interface, Figure 21 follows on from figure 20 and shows the invention at a similar ocale to figure 17, evacuated volume, electrode shaft, Figure 22 follows on from figure 21 and shows the magnetic field between adjacent north and south annular magnetic poles depicted by the inward and outward-pointing arrowheads respectively, the magnetic fields depicted by the curves within the vacuum chamber, the volume of space enclosed by the lines of magnetic flux and inner surface of the vacuum chamber, annular electrode between north and south annular magnetic poles, Figure 23 follows on from figure 22 and shows the magnetic field between adjacent north and south annular magnetic poles confine electrons ejected from the energised annular cathodes, the subsequent radial electric field emanating from the central energised anode and terminating near or within said cathodes, Figure 24 shows a magnified external view of the electrode shaft, the electrode shaft insulation depicted by the white regions, the anode depicted by the black circle at the nadir of figure 24, the electrode tube to electrode shaft interface depicted by the black rectangle at the zenith of figure 24, Figure 25 follows on from figure 24 and shows the bisected internal view of the electrode shaft within the electrode tube whilst in operation by depicting from electrical field from the zenith of figure 25 to the nadir of figure 25, therefore figure 25 specifically shows electrical field from the distal end of the electrode tube or exterior of the invention axially downward through the conductive surfaces of the electrode-tube interior, electrical field horizontally and radially inwards through the electrode tube-shaft interface, electrical field axially downward through the electrode tube conduit, electrical field through the surface of the anode, electrical field causing the Coulomb-explosion of ionised atoms from the surface of the anode, nuclear fusion fuel contained within the hollow anode, Figure 26 follows on from figure 25 and shows a further magnification of part of the electrode shaft insulation, part of the electrode conduit, the anode depicted in figure 25, Figure 27 follows on from figure 26 and shows ionised atoms vaporise and rapidly expand as an ionised gaseous shell in Coulomb-explosion depicted by the annular cloud, the nuclear fusion fuel core radially compressed inwards by the recoil from the Coulomb explosion, Figure 28 follows on from figure 27 and shows the fused nuclear fuel depicted by the dense dark cloud, the emission of post-fusion nuclei and neutrons depicted by the arrowed-lines, gamma rays or photons depicted by the undulating arrowed curve, Figure 29 follows on from figure 28 and shown the invention at a oimilar scale to that depicted in figure 23, post-fusion nuclei depicted by the shortest arrowed line remain within the evacuated volume, post-fusion low-energy neutrons depicted by the arrowed line of intermediate length stopped within the inner neutron shield, post-fusion high-energy neutrons depicted by the longest arrowed line stopped within the outer neufron shield, thermal regulation shell is also labelled, Figure 30 follows on from figure 29 and shows the post-fusion nuclei and neutrons lose their kinetic energy and increase the temperature of the invention, the increased enthalpy of the neutron shields are depicted by the grid-shaded regions, Figure 31 follows on from figure 30 and shows the removal of heat from the invention, figure 31 specifically depicts heat removal by passage of a coolant through the thermal regulation shell and the subsequent reduction of temperature is depicted by the white regions of figure 31 in comparison to the grid-shaded regions of figure 30.

Detailed Description

The following section will describe the present invention in detail and elaborate on the accompanying drawings. The drawings are arranged in a sequence so as to illustrate the present invention's operation in ohronoiogioal order. Fefore describing the invention, the following paragraphs aim to introduoe the reader to the formalities and conventions used in the drawings.

Components are geometrically desoribed by lines without arrows. Components are not necessarily drawn to scale due to the great variation in component sizes throughout the invention. A scale drawing of the entire invention would not show the critical features and the invention' soverview simultaneously. A blue-print or engineering-type drawing would not concisely illustrate the operating principle of the invention. Rather, a symbolic representation is provided in the drawings in order to readily confer understanding of the invention to the reader. To indicate the required sizes, dimensions, angles, mechanical and electromagnetic or EM quantities and properties, arrows are used in the drawings to highlight important features and requirements to carry out the invention which are to be explained in the present detailed description section. The reader is not to confuse arrows with those seen in engineering type drawings showing construction lines, materials or dimensions.

Materials are not identified for the invention however the requirements the components must fulfil to carry out the invention are explained. The arrows in the accompanying drawings of the present invention are to indicate quantities of mechanical and EM relevance which may be calculated by following the guiding physical principles in the present specification document.

Components and quantities are labelled and described qualitatively and are essential or at least preferable to carry out the present invention. For example, component 8 is the anode conduit. Its axis of rotational symmetry is the z-axis. Component 1 is a magnetising coil. Therefore component 1, quantity 1 or lql is said magnetising coil' s inner diamer as depicted in the drawings. Component 1, quantity 4 or 1q4 is the magnetic field produced by the magnetising coil. Component 10 is the cathode. Therefore component 10, quantity 1 or lOqI is the cathode' s position vector fom the co-ordinate origin or anode 9 -centre 11. Component 10, quantity 2 or lOq2 is the cathode' s polar angular position. In other words, the qantity labelled 10q2 is the angle that the z-axis makes ith vector lOqi. Hence the azimuthal angular position 10q3 relates to the cathode' s positionand orientation in three-dimensions.

Open arrows indicate EM fields. The relevant field manifestation represented will be elaborated upon.

Closed arrows indioate foroe or the movement of matter, materIal oomponents, material partioles or material fluids. The relevant physical quantity represented will be elaborated upon.

The stealth arrowed straight lines of figure 4 represent spatial quantities suoh as length, redius, range and other related measurements of unspeoified value. The stealth arrowed curves of figure 4 represent angular quantities or so-ordinates. The combination of range depicted by the stealth arrowed straight lines and angle depioted by the stealth arrowed curves oan represent a position vector, displacement vector or even points on a line, plane or physical surfaces. For example, in figure 4 if the centre of the circular drawing is considered as the origin, the vector 5q1 and polar angle 5q2 describe the vacuum chamber' s surface and subsequently the overall geometry of the vacuum chamber' s inner surface if an azimuthalangle 5q3 were also considered. Although several geometries are possible if radial co-ordinate 5q1 varies with angle 5q2, in the drawings, the reaction chamber is drawn as a hollow spherical shell.

Figure 4 shows what resembles and what will be referred to as the negative x-axis lOql, polar angle lOq2 and azimuthal angle drawn prospectively, 10q3.

The reader is asked to visualise the y-axis pointing cut of the page for figure 4 and infer from them the orientation of the preceding drawings.

Figure 3 and figure 13 are explicitly drawn as though the viewing axis is parallel to the z-axis. The remaining drawings are depictions of the invention as seen from the side or with the viewing axIs parallel to the y-axis.

The remainder of the detailed description section is dedicated to the chronologically-sequenced descriptive narrative explaining the operation of the invention. Three embodiments of the present invention are described.

The first embodiment of the invention is depicted in figure 1 to figure 11 inclusive. If figure 5 is considered, the first embodiment shows that the invention has an electrically-conducting conduit 1 wound about the reversed c-shaped core 2. Attached to each end of the c-shaped core is a ferromagnetic ring 3, 4. The ferromagnetic rings have a mutual axis of rotational symmetry and are separated by a displacement related to vector 3ql as depicted in figure 4. What is implied but not explicitly depicted is the vector 4ql which is analogous to vector 3ql. The structure 1,2,3,4 described is the electron-flux impediment means cr the magnet as depicted in the drawings.

The magnet has both rings, or annular poles situated in a volume 5 that is capable of being evacuated. A cylindrical electrode shaft 6 has rotational axis of symmetry shared with the ferromagnetic rings rotational axes of symmetry. The electrode shaft is insulated 7 with conduit B coaxial with the electrode shaft insulation. The conduit is in electrical contact and attached to the spherical enode 9. The spherical anode axis of rotational symmetry is common with the annular ferromagnetic poles.

In the first embodiment of the invention two cathodes 10 are depicted. These two cathodes are displaced lOg1 at an angle lOg2, 10q3. The cathode-anode-cathode axis is an imaginary line that is orthogonal to the common annular ferromagnetic axes in the first embodiment of the invention. The reader should note that although the geometry may appear circular or spherical, the first embodiment of the invention depicted in figure 5 is axial in nature.

Therefore what is depicted in figure 5 is an axial compressor. The ferromagnetic poles 3, 4 and the anode 9, cathode 10 are enclosed within the volume 5.

The anode 9 is depicted as a hollow spherical structure containing nuclear fusion fuel 11. The volume 5 surrounding the anode 9 is itself enclosed by a vessel 12. Each cathode 10 is electrically insulated from the other. The invention is depicted as described in figure 5. The invention may be carried out with a plurality of cathodes of unspecified number and a plurality of magnetic poles of unspecified number. In the case previously mentioned, the compression may be more isotropic and radial than the axial compressor depicted in figure 5. For simplicity, only one pair of magnetic poles and one pair of cathodes are depicted.

The invention operates initially by directing the flow of electrical current through a coil 1 wound around a ferromagnetic core 2. This armature 1, 2 becomes an electromagnet whose magnetic flux is mostly contained within the ferromagnetic core. The electromagnet has two annular magnetic poles 3,4 separated across a volume 5 which may be evacuated. The annular poles are two great rings, circles or lines of latitude on the globe-shaped volume 5.

Conseguently, the magnetic field depicted by the two parallel vertical arrows in figure 5, link the separate magnetic poles and complete the magnetic flux circuit or loop.

Subsequently, the first embodiment of the invention has a high electrical potential applied to its central electrode 9 in comparison to the electrical potential applied to the two counter-electrodes 10. As depicted in figure 6, an electrical field emanating from the central anode 9 spans across the volume 5 towards the cathodes 10. Figure 6 shows that the magnetio field depicted by the vertical arrowed lines and the electrical field depicted by the horizontal arrowed lines are orthogonal. The orthogonal arrangement reduces electron mobility and mitigates the bombardment of the anode 9 by electrons ejected from the cathode 10. Figure 7 depicts the movement of electrons near the cathode towards the anode by the closed arrows. Figure 10 shows the confinement of the electron-cloud 10g4 by the magnetic field. The electron confinement allows anode ions to carry a significant fraction of the electrical current. For high electrical potential differences, the force on the ions depicted by the closed arrows of figure 10 can be substantial.

Figure 8 shows the anode surface 9 and its subsequent disintegration 9q4, 9q5 in figure 9. In figure 9, the outermost shell of expanding ion gas 9q4 repels the innermost shell of expanding ion gas 9q5 still in contact with the condensed matter remnant of the anode 9. As a result, the radially diverging explosive force depicted by the closed arrows of figure 10 cause the radially converging compression force depicted by the reduction in anode 9 -radius in figure 11.

Figure 27 and figure 28 depict processes common to all embodiments of the present invention. Figure 27 illustrates the radially-expanding ion gas 9q4, 9q5 populated by the anode 9. Figure 27 also shows the radially-contacting nuclear fusion fuel 11 and the compressive forces are depicted by the radially-inward pointing arrows. Figure 28 shows the fuel undergoing thermonuclear reactions due to the satisfaction of Lawson' s criteria for compressed fuel temperature, pressure and compression duration. Nuclei, low-energy neutrons, high-energy neutrons and gamma-rays are depicted by the short arrowed line, intermediate length arrowed line, long arrowed line and arrowed undulating curve respectively. The fusion process is depicted by figure 11. The transformation of kinetic energy of the post-fusion particles into heat energy and electricity is not explicitly depicted for the first embodiment of the invention.

It was intended that the first embodiment of the invention offers the reader a simplified narrative as to the principles of the operation of the invention.

It is clear however that to realise quasi-isotropic compression of the hollow anode 9 several modifications to the first embodiment of the invention are required. For the invention to be carried out as a power source for human consumption, the anode 9 must be replaced frequently and readily. Also, to achieve quasi-isotropic compression of the anode 9, several cathodes 10 in a number of angular positions 10q2, lOqS must surround the anode. Consequently, several latitudinal annular magnetic poles 3,4 must be positioned 3q2,4q2 at the inner surface of the spherical chamber 12 in order to ensure the magnetic fields are longitudinal, have orthogonal components to the electric field and can therefore reduce electron mobility in a quasi-isotropic manner.

Additionally, the chamber 12 must be enclosed by neutron shields capable of transforming post-fusion particle kinetic energy into heat energy and electrical energy. In all embodiments of the invention, it is ideal that the chamber 12 is able to be evacuated 5 and capable of containing a blest in the event that the chamber is accidentally pressurised and input electrical energy or output nuclear energy transfers kinetic energy to matter within the chamber.

It is preferable that the chamber-surface 12 is it is concentric with the anode 9. The chamber is a cavity capable of being evacuated and of sufficient radius Sql, Sql, lOqi to prevent an electrical arc from forming between its cathodes 10 and the anode 9. The chamber is designed so that the potential difference between the anode and cathcdes may be related to the potential difference required to accelerate ions up to kinetic energies required for recoil-driven compression of the anode remnant to be able to undergo nuclear fusion.

If the anode exterior comprises heavy ions, then the Coulomb-explosion will take longer than if the ions are of lcw mass. The prolonged time may allow the mutual electrostatic forces to impart more momentum than would be the case if the ions were less inertial.

If the exploding anode 9 is populated by heavy ionised atoms, the radially converging repulsive impulse on the icnised nuclear fusion fuel 11 comprising light ionised atoms may be sufficient to compress said fuel for nuclear reactions to occur. This process may be described as direct mutual electrostatic compression and is best depicted in figure 27.

Alternatively, if the anode 9 shell inner layer 9q5 comprises light atoms and the anode 9 shell outer layer Sq4 comprises heavy atoms, then the slowly-expanding outer shell will compress the inner-shell by electrostatic repulsion. The inner shell 9g5 will then push against and compress the neutral un-ionised fuel 11. This process may be described as indirect mutual electrostatic compression and is best depicted in figure 9.

The second embodiment of the invention shown from figure 12 to figure 31 inclusive depicts the invention carried out in a fashion so as to increase its efficiency and effectiveness. Figure 13 shows the second embodiment of the invention as seen from above. Figure 13 reveals an advanced feature 13 of the invention that allows the electrode shaft 6 depicted in figure 24 to enter the zenith of the invention as depicted in figure 16. The figure 15 shows the labelled advanced feature or electrode tube 13 as seen from the front. The position of the electrode shaft 6 is symbolloally represented by a black dot. In practice, the electrode shaft 6 -radius is smaller than the electrode tube 13 radius although the black dot is drawn larger in the figure 16, figure 17, figure 21, figure 22 end figure 23. Figure 16 to figure 21 shows the electrode shaft 6 enter the electrode tube 13 near the zenith of the invention and drops down into position at the invention' s centre.

The electrode tube inner surface 17 is electrically conducting and in electrical contact with the electrode tube-shaft interface 18 of the electrode shaft 6. The interface 18 is in electrical contact with the electrode conduit 8 which in turn is in electrical contact with the anode 9.

The electrode components 18,8,9 are supported by the electrode insulation 7, whose cylindrical geometry allows the entire eleotrode shaft 6 to slide along the electrode tube inner surface 17 and therefore, through the electrode tube 13 itself. When the electrode shaft 6 slides to the nadir of the electrode tube 13, it is in an exposed position for the final stage of its operation as depicted in figure 20.

The seoond embodiment of the invention has more than one pair of annular magnetic poles. Figure 14 shows two pairs of magnetic poles 3,4 and are depicted as four lines of latitude. Figure 14 also shows two latitudinal annular cathodes 10 and one polar cathode cylinder 10 at the nadir of the hollow spherical volume 5 depicted by the bold lines. The chamber 12 inner surfaoe is spherical and resembles a globe with its lines or oiroles of latitude. Referring to polar angles 3q2, 4q2, 10q2 depicted and inferred in figure 4.

Alternate successive circles of latitude labelled from the top of figure 14 to the bottom of figure 14 are north annular magnetic pole 3 at polar angle 3q2 equal to sixty-seven point five degrees above the equator, annular cathode 10 at polar angle 10q2 equal to forty-five degrees above the equator, south annular magnetic pole 4 at polar angle 4q2 equal to twenty-two point five degrees above the equator, annular cathode 10 at polar angle 3q2 at the equator, north annular magnetic pole 3 at polar angle 3q2 equal to twenty-two point five degrees below the equator, annular cathode 10 at polar angle 3q2 equal to forty-five degrees below the equator, south annular magnetic pole 4 at polar angle 3q2 equal to sixty-seven point five degrees below the equator, cylindrical cathode at polar angle 3q2 equal to ninety degrees below the equator. When the electromagnet 1 is energised the latitudinal annular magnetic poles generate lines of magnetic flux that are longitudinal in

description.

The cathodes 10 in the second embodiment of the invention are annular or extended in geometry and appear as circles of latitude on the globe-like chamber 12 inner surface. They may also be cylindrical or point-like as is the case for the first embodiment of the invention and positioned in numerous locations surrounding the anode 9. What is preferable is that the cathodes may be mutually electrically isolated. The isolation feature allows anisotropies in the radial electrical field emanating from the anode to be mitigated. The isolation feature also allows for anisotropy in the electrical

field to be introduced if desired by the operator.

Figure 21 is analogous to figure 4 since electromagnetic fields are not depicted. Figure 22 is analogous to figure 5. In figure 22, the magnetic poles 3,4 are energised as depicted by the alternatingly opposing open arrow heads and the magnetic flux lg4 links the spatially-separate magnetic poles.

The chamber 12 is then sub-divided into nine sections as depicted in figure 22. The outer volumes lq5 and chamber outer surface 12 enclose the cathodes and reduce the likelihood of electrons ejected from the cathode 10 bombarding the anode 9 when the radial electric field is present as depicted in figure 23. The electrons that would otherwise have undergone ballistic projection towards the anode 9 are confined within the outer volume lq5 and the constrained electrons form a cloud of negative charge density 10q4 that behaves as a virtual cathode. Figure 23 is analogous to figure 6. Figure 26 is also analogous to figure 10. Figure 27 is analogous to figure 10 and shows the explosion of ions from the surface of the anode 9. Electrons that eventually migrate towards the anode 9 from the cathode 10 move in opposition to the electric field depicted in figure 25. Such electrons 9q4 are collected at the anode 9 surface, drawn up 8q4 the electrode conduit 8, disperse lUg4 though the electrode shaft-tube interface 18 and upward across l7g4 the electrode tube inner surface 17. The explosive movement of ions in the direction indicated by the arrowed lines 9g4 of figure 25 and the described electron movement in the opposite direction accounts for the flow of electrical current within the inventicn.

Figure 27 and figure 28 are analogous to figure 11 and depict the recoil of the exploding ion gas acting to compress the nuclear fusion fuel 11 and satisfy Lawson' s criteria. Figure 29 is also analogousto figure 11 and depicts the release of post-fusion neutrons and nuclei.

Charged particles that escape the nuclear reaction volume will scatter off the chamber wall 12 or become embedded within it until they thermalize. In doing so, they will heat up the cathode 10 surfaces and this heat will be rapidly dispersed and absorbed by the blast-shield or chamber surface 12. The blast-shield not only supports the cathodes 10 but is thick enough to withstand the blast pressure of any air that leaks into the chamber and is heated in accidental conditions. This makes it strong enough to withstand any blast from electrical discharges between the cathodes and the anode. In such blast scenarios, the blast wave must be vented and hence, the present invention must be housed within a secondary vessel or be fitted with blast-vents to safely dissipate the blast energy whilst still containing radioactive materials. The blast shield absorbs kinetic energy from post-fusion charged particles.

The lower-energy neutron blanket 14 ccnsists of nuclei of sufficient neutron capture cross-section and exists at sufficient nuclei number densities that it exceeds one mean free path in thickness. Any neutron of lower post-fusion energies will be captired and a charged particle released in its place. The charged particle will lose its kinetic energy, neutralise tc form an atom and be collected as long as it exists in a fluid state. Any neutron of higher post-fusion energies will pass through the lower-energy neutron blanket and into the higher-energy neutron blanket 15. Again, the higher-energy neutron blanket consists of nuclei of sufficient neutron capture cross-section and exists at sufficient nuclei number densities that it exceeds one mean free path in thickness.Any neutron of higher post-fusion energies will be captured and a charged particle released in its place. The charged particle will lose its kinetic energy, neutralise to form an atom and be collected as long as it exists in a fluid state.

The lower-energy neutron blanket 14 and higher-energy neutron blanket 15 are heated up by the post-fusion neutrons as depicted by figure 30. The heat exchanger or thermal insulation or electrical insulation 16 has elevated internal energy due to the fusion process within the invention which can be exploited. The influx of coolant 19 and its subsequent outflow gains internal energy from the heat transferred to it by the breeding blankets 14,15 and blast shield 12. The outflowing hot fluid can be exploited to generate power by the conventional methods used in existing power stations.

A third embodiment of the invention is envisaged by omitting the magnetic components 1,2,3,4 from the previous two embodiments. In the third embodiment, electron immobilisation may be achieved if the anode 9 is of small-area.

If a potential difference is applied between the small, central electrode 9 and surrounding counter-electrodes 10, such that they become an anode 9 and cathodes 10 respectively, then an electrical discharge will occupy the volume between the electrodes. An electric field between the anode 9 and cathodes will be established and ambient electrons in the volume 9 will accelerate towards the anode, bombard it and release secondary electrons neer the anode.

These secondary electrons will not be able to be collected on the anode 9 surface due to their temperature but will form a space-charge cloud over the anode surface 9.

Conversely, if ambient ions accelerate within the volume 5 and bombard the cathodes 10, what will hereinafter be referred to as tertiary electrons will almost certainly be released from the cathode 10 surface and accelerate towards the anode 9. The reader should recall that there is no strong magnetic field 1q4 in the third embodiment of the invention to confine any of the electrons in a particular volume cf space lqs. The so-called tertiary electrons from the cathode-surface 10 will accelerate towards the anode 9 but be scattered by the previously described existing secondary electron-populated space-charge already screening the anode 9. This physical process may be sufficient to reduce the electron-current magnitude within the inter-electrode volume 5.

The proximity of the secondary electrcn-populated space-charge surrounding the anode 9 acts to dramatically increase the electric field strength at the anode 9 surface. The Intense electric field drives the Coulomb-explosion of ionised atoms from the surface of the anode 9. The processes depicted by figure 9, and figure 25 to figure 28 inclusive occur. The massive ions that are Coulomb-exploded away from the anode 9 are not greatly impeded by the electron-populated space-charge surrounding the anode 9. The ions can easily scatter the electrons from their path as the ions accelerate towards the cathodes 10. when the ions reach the relatively large-area cathodes 10, they are also not impeded by ion-populated space-charges screening the cathode 10 due to their low number density distribution over a large area. Therefore the third embodiment is diode-like. The asymmetry in anode 9 and cathode 10 areas as well as the asymmetry in ion and electron masses can be exploited to carry out the invention. In practice, the space-charge effects described for the third invention embodiment are present in the first and second invention embodiments. In all three invention embodiments, electron current in the inter-electrode volume 5 must he minimised by some means. If not, the input electrical power will be wasted as heat. The purpose of the invention is to utilise the input power for useful work, by accelerating ions from the anode surface 9 to compress the nuclear fusion fuel 11 within the anode 9 interior.

Claims (15)

1. Claims 1. An implosion compressing unit comprising impediment means for impeding the electron-fl-jx within the unit-interior, an anode which can freely undergo Coulomb-explosion and compress matter within the anode-interior, and accelerating means such that the flux of ionised atoms from the anode-exterior can be maximised relative to the flux of electrons permitted to be collected at the anode by the impediment means.
2. 2. An implosion compressing unit ccmprising impediment means for impeding the electron-f lix within the unit-interior, a nuclear fusion fuel-containing anode which can freely undergo Coulomb-explosion and compress said fuel and thereby satisfy the Lawscn criteria for nuclear fusion, and accelerating means such that the flux of ionised atoms from the anode-exterior can be maximised relative to the flux of electrons permitted to be collected at the anode by the impediment means.
3. 3. An implosion compressing unit ccmprising impediment means for impeding the electrcn-fl-ix within the unit-interior, a nuclear fusion fuel-containing anode which can freely undergo Coulomb-explosion and compress said f-id and thereby satisfy the Lawson criteria for nuclear fusion, and accelerating means such that the flux of ionised atoms from the Coulomb-exploding anode-exterior can be maximised relative to the flux of electrons permitted to be collected at the anode by the impediment means.
4. 4. An implosion compressing unit according to claim 1, in which theimpediment means is provided by a magnetic field.
5. 5. An implosion compressing unit according to claim 1, in which the impediment means is provided by a space-charge which screens the small-area anode, the space-charge comprising a multitude of charged particles which inhibits further electronic bombardment of the anode, and in close proximity to the anode-surface, the space-charge also having high charged-particle number density increases the electric field magnitude and maximises the Coulomb-explosive force from the surface of the anode.
6. 6. An implosion compressing unit according to claim 1, in which the impediment means is provided by at least one diode or diode-like process.
7. 7. An implosion compressing unit according to claim 1, in which the accelerating means is provided by at least one cathode or at least one virtual cathode.
8. 8. An implosion compressing unit according to claim 1, in which the accelerating means is provided by a plurality of cathodes which oppose the anode, the cathodes each have mutual electrical isolation from one another which allows each cathode to be at a unique electrical potential, with respect to the anode surface, the cathodes therefore have the ability to control the electric field vector emanating from the anode.
9. 9. An implosion compressing unit according to claim 4, in which the accelerating means is provided by at least one cathode or virtual cathode in a position opposing the anode in which the magnetic field vector component is orthogonal to the anode-cathode displacement vector.
10. 10. An implosion compressing unit according to any of the preceding claims, in which the impeding means is adjustable so that the ratio of ionised anode atom current density and electron current density at a spatial position within the unit can be varied.
11. ii. An implosion compressing unit according to any of the preceding claims, in which the accelerating means is adjustable so that the acceleration vector of the ionised anode atoms can be varied.
12. 12. An implosion compressing unit according to claim 8, in which the unit is frequently-reusable so that un-compressed disposable anodes are stored within the unit in a concealed non-operating position until an uncompressed anode is dispensed to oppose at least one cathode or virtual cathode in an exposed operating position.
13. 13. An implosion compressing unit according to claim 4, in which the magnetic field Is generated by pairs of annular opposing magnetic poles sharing a common axis of rotational symmetry and resembling adjacent lines or circles of latitude on a globe, so that the magnetic flux lines resemble circles or lines of longitude on a globe.
14. 14. An implosion compressing unit according to claim 3, in which the chemical identity of the Coulomb-exploding anode-exterior layers are selectable so that the anode core remnant containing the nuclear fusion fuel has its compression-impulse maximised by said layers comprising high-mass ionised atoms expanding at a slower rate than the contraction of said fuel comprising low-mess nuclei.
15. 15. An implosion compressing unit according to claim 2, in which the unit is neutron-absorbable so that the compression of the anode results in the release of neutrons from nuclear fusion which are absorbed within the interior of the unit and transfer their kinetic energy to stored heat energy which may be subsequently transformed into electrical energy.