Undergrad Research in Cold Fusion & Experiments: US Programs

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of finding an undergraduate research program in the U.S. that deals with cold fusion and related experiments. It is mentioned that the topic is no longer being funded by governments or companies, and there is a stigma attached to it due to past failures. It is suggested to look into energy research instead.
  • #1
redrum419_7
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Does anyone happen to know any undergrad research programs in the U.S. that deal with cold fusion and related experiments?
 
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  • #3
I'm not sure that anybody actually funds stuff like that anymore. Not sure how many universities ever did fund these projects in the first place.

Now I'm not enough of an authority (lowly grad student in biophysics) to say that it's all a crock, but almost every government in the developed world has put some sort of research in it and concluded that it's not worth government funding.

Don't take this the wrong way, it's not meant to be offensively derisive: if you want to get involved in cold fusion, you might want to look into an undergrad creative writing workshop instead of an REU this summer.
 
  • #4
Toyota used to fund cold fusion research, but they stopped a number of years ago. I think they were the last serious funders of the work. I'm not sure anyone is actually working on it anymore; it didn't work and no one could ever make it work. And since it was such a huge career-ended last time someone thought they had it working (which was their own fault, really) there's a stigma attached to it. So in conclusion, no, you're not going to find an REU on the topic. But you might be able to find something to do with energy research if you look around enough.
 
  • #5
This thread is done.
 

1. What is cold fusion and why is it important in undergraduate research?

Cold fusion is a proposed type of nuclear reaction that occurs at low temperatures, unlike traditional nuclear reactions which require extreme heat. It is important in undergraduate research because it has the potential to provide a clean and virtually limitless source of energy. It also presents a challenging and exciting area of study for young scientists.

2. How does undergraduate research in cold fusion differ from other research programs?

Undergraduate research in cold fusion typically involves smaller scale experiments and simpler equipment compared to other research programs. This allows for hands-on involvement and a deeper understanding of the scientific principles involved. Additionally, cold fusion research is a relatively new field, so there is more room for new and innovative ideas from undergraduate researchers.

3. What are some current cold fusion research programs in the US?

Some current cold fusion research programs in the US include the Energy Research Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Low Energy Nuclear Reactions Laboratory at Texas Tech University, and the Cold Fusion Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. These programs are dedicated to investigating the feasibility and potential of cold fusion as a viable energy source.

4. What types of experiments are typically conducted in undergraduate cold fusion research?

Undergraduate research in cold fusion often involves electrolysis experiments, where an electric current is passed through a solution containing palladium or other metals. Other experiments may involve using lasers or other energy sources to stimulate nuclear reactions at low temperatures. These experiments aim to replicate and understand the conditions needed for cold fusion to occur.

5. What are some challenges and limitations of undergraduate research in cold fusion?

One of the main challenges of undergraduate research in cold fusion is the lack of established theories and understanding of the phenomenon. This makes it a difficult and unpredictable field to work in. Additionally, the equipment and materials needed for cold fusion experiments can be expensive and difficult to obtain. However, with dedication and perseverance, undergraduate researchers can make valuable contributions to the field and help advance our understanding of cold fusion.

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