How long to fully quantify reactions in Polywell

[choff]

Dr. Bussard described the Polywell as a simple machine with wonderfully complex physics. How long would it take even with working BFR's to fully understand and model all the reactions taking place inside the machine. Months, years, or decades? Any estimates or guesses?

[MSimon]

Choff,

A lot would depend on what kind of diagnostic equipment you had.

[drmike]

Dr. Bussard described the Polywell as a simple machine with wonderfully complex physics. How long would it take even with working BFR's to fully understand and model all the reactions taking place inside the machine. Months, years, or decades? Any estimates or guesses?

To fully understand and model all the reactions will take decades. We still don't fully understand how nuclear reactions work. The models are good, but not perfect. That doesn't mean we can't build BFR's that work really well - it just means it'll be many decades before they get perfected. Same with any technology, including steam engines and gasoline engines not to mention nuclear reactors.

[choff]

My speculative guess if it proves out is ten years to develop a solid working knowledge and at least another ten years for a more detailed understanding. But then new modifications/features will keep coming along that keep research going. If it only partly works research will go on in fits and starts for the rest of the century.

[jmc]

We don't understand everything about air turbulence, yet we build aeroplanes. Alot of it will be just tinkering around with it until you get more energy out then you put in.

Our understanding of the Polywell will improve as long as it increases the economic performance of the device. We will never full understand everything that goes on in any practical fusion plasma.