Re: Fusion

Bell, Brian K (Contractor) schrieb:
> How will fusion work in the game future history?
> 
> Is it a sustained fusing of one or a few atoms at a time 
> over a long period? 
> Is it periodic fusing of a larger number of atoms, 
> collecting and storing the energy?

Both principles are possible, and it also depends on the time scale. A 
typical internal combustion engine (e.g.a Diesel motor) would 
technically fit under the  
second definition, as the fuel ignitions happen periodically, even if 
the period is several 1000 times a minute. For most practical purposes, 
a Diesel engine provides a continuous output of energy. A turbine, in 
contrast is indeed a sustained energy source. 

It is hard to envision a fusion power plant that produces large amounts 
of energy at large intervals (say, every few hours or longer), nor does 
there seeem to be a need for that. 

> Either method has difficulties.
> 
> Sustained fusion would have to extremely protected both 
> from direct hits and from being jostled. 

Not really. The fusion reactor itself is not really dangerous, no worse 
than the boiler of a steam or a gasoline tank. A fusion engine using 
electromagnetic confinement methods (Plasma or Z-pinch) will have very 
fast control and damping systems anyway. These should be able to cope 
with any mechanical jostling, too. 

> It may also have excessive heat and/or gas/vapor 
> discharges. And if you are not using all the energy each 
> moment, it will be wasted. 

There will be enough energy to go around, as we have discussed. 
However, there may be environmental concerns from too much heat output, 
and in a military context, a strong heat source is undesirable versus 
enemies equipped with thermal sensors. 

> I prefer some limitations on the fusion reactor to give a 
> reason to take the fuel cell or internal combustion engines.

Minimum weights, sizes and power output seem very reasonable 
restrrictions on fusion engines. 
 
> Otherwise, as soon as you reach the fusion engine, your armor
> forces will be able to take anything else (no weapon limitations,
> little logistics train, etc.) 

You still need food, spare parts, lubricants, drinkin water, ammunition 
(unless you also have energy weapons)... 

> This is also why I assumed that powerarmor used fuel cells rather 
> than microfusion powerplants. 

It seems reasonable to equip small vehicles or power armour with a 
different power plant from larger ones. 

Greetings