Still, measured data on all previous experiments would still give us a more solid basis and argument.Actually any reasonably competent Naval Nuke Operator could design the test reactor and WB-100. Especially given the collected instructional material and spread sheets.
Yes, but those lots of engineering questions and few physics questions would be clear in the light of the underlying science.At this stage there are way more engineering questions than physics questions.
And solve various other issues, such as controlling losses. I want p-b11 too, but let's start of with something more simple. If we can do breakeven with D-T or D-D first, we can move on to p-b11. There are losses in IEC devices that are minor with D-T and D-D, but may be overwhelmingly significant with p-B11.pB11 only requires that you go from 5 to 15 KV drive to 50 to 60 KV drive.
I'd rather have more sane investors along with the oddballs, for the argument alone that if some investors change their minds and bail out, there would be still some that could follow the project trough. With the oddballs, there is the chance that they either go bankrupt due to being scammed by yet another perpetual motion scheme (thus recalling the money now so they won't end up on the street), or finding a perpetual motion scheme more promising.Now whilst most of them will only go for projects which look very promising, you can find the odd one whose willing to give it a go, even if its very high risk, just in case it works out.
Finding investors would be easier if we have the science backing up everything.So I do think its possible, just very difficult to find the right person.
The reason why I see doing D-T worthwhile, if for nothing else, but to show how powerful Polywell is in front of the scientific community. I would pay money to see their faces when the calculated Lawson criterium is shown.High school kids burn D-D. I see no reason to even bother with D-T. Besides you have to get all kinds of permits and stuff.
Also, D-T has no variability of products, thus the results will be harder to debate. You get neutrons alone, which while have many problems when it comes to actual power production, gives you clear results. Also, losses are the most negligible with D-T.
Although, I'd purchase allot of lead-reinforced glass. And some hazmat suits. And run the Polywell relatively low, say one watt.
Before you say "lithium shield" know that we won't be using "lithium shields". We'll be using boron shields, that are more efficient neutron-killers. We have no need to produce additional tritium in-operation as Polywell does not work that way, thus a complication is avoided.