Documents / Report
This Defense Intelligence Agency reference document, dated 10 March 2010, covers inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) fusion. It was produced in FY 2009 under the DIA's Advanced Aerospace Weapon System Applications (AAWSA) program. The report focuses on work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and reviews IEC basics, experiments, theory and applications such as neutron sources, explosives detection and space propulsion. It concludes by proposing a breakeven experiment for p-11B fusion that uses a hydrogen plasma simulation.
“G. A.”21 pages
UNCLASSIFIED//509 QFFliI.«1k WHIE 8HLV In summary, if the physics principles are demonstrated successfully, the MCSA fusion power plant will offer numerous advantages for space propulsion as well as for terrestrial power sources. The non-Maxwellian plasma involved is well suited for operation with D- 3He fuel that provides much of the energy output in the form of very energetic 14-MeV protons. Proton energy can be employed for either direct conversion to electricity or directed thrust. As demonstrated in the Fusion Ship II design study, the MCSA power plant is especially well suited for manned deep space missions where the hid~..,;,,, Entennla' \ Figure 5.10. Diagram of Direction Randomization (KAM effect) Due to the Magnetic Field Null Region in the IEC high power-to-weight of the MCSA enables fast trip times. The concept introduces several important new physics. The basic concept of the MCSA system is use of recirculation from escaping particles from one unit into the neighboring one where retrapping occurs. These physical principles have not yet been demonstrated experimentally, but formulated initial tests could be done with a modest size experiment and stepped up in size to eventually demonstrate a full-scale prototype power unit. CONCLUDING REMARKS This section has concentrated on various near-term "spin off" applications of neutron/proton/x-ray sources and also non-electrical power applications such as space propulsion. The homeland security inspection station described here show how versatile the IEC concept is, allowing mufti-device broad area inspection. Space propulsion and related space power seems quite far term due to the large size powers demanded for such applications. However, the possibility of using magnetic coupling of smaller unit provides a modular approach that has many advantages, plus expediting development by allowing concentration on the smaller modules. In addition, use of near-tern electrically driven IEC jet plasma devices allows a "product" along the way to the eventual development of the high power fusion devices. REFERENCES 5.1 G. H. Miley, L. Wu, H.J. Kim, Nuclear Techniques in National Security Studies on Contraband Detections IEC-based neutron generator for security inspection system", Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, Vol. 263, No. 1 (2005) pp.159- 164. 5.2 R. Burton, H. Momota, N. Richardson, Y. Shaban, and G. H. Miley, "Fusion Ship 59 II- A Fast Manned Interplanetary Space Vehicle Using Inertial Electrostatic Fusion", Space Technology and Applications International Forum - STAIF-2003, Albuquerque, NM, 654, Feb 2-5 (2003) (M.S. EI-Genk, ed.), American Institute of Physics Conf. Proceedings, pp. 553-562. UNCLASSIFIED/;CFOPt OFFiil11J.k leUiEii SU.klJ.'
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Report, from the dia collection. The PDF is mirrored here; the original link is under it. 72 pages are in the text index: search them above, or from the library's search.