Fusion or not with Van De Graaff machine and very high voltage

In summary, the theory is that you can create a high voltage by aggregating positive and negative charges together. However, it might not be stable and might not produce real lightning.
  • #1
stevecheang
17
0
Using a Van De Graaff (VDG) machine, we can easily generate million-volt high voltage. The high potential difference can be generated effectively with minimum energy supplied to the machine. The larger the volume of the machine would be, the higher the voltage could get. However, stability would be a problem when the voltage gets to over 10 million-volts. This issue could be resolved with ‘magnified’ machine design. For example,

VDG1, VDG2, VDG3 ==> VDGA
VDG4, VDG5, VDG6 ==> VDGB
VDG7, VDG8, VDG9 ==> VDGC

VDGA, VDGB, VDGC ==> VDGX

In that case, VDGA works like a magnifier which aggregates the positive charge (or negative charge conducted from smaller VDGs) and collectively ‘magnifies’ the voltage to higher voltage. Of course, a portion of the positive charge could be lost in the process. However, it could theoretically be possible to keep majority of it until the voltage gets elevated to 100 million volts or higher. With such high voltage working on the deuterium or tritium, gas mixture which could be mixed from a source of gaseous catalyst, selected from the group consisting of beryllium, carbonates, hydroxides, halides, sulfates, phosphates, and sulfides. The reaction produces natural lightning, or occasional fusion reaction if you like.
 
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  • #2
Sounds pretty impractical to me. After all, real lightning can't produce fusion (unless maybe for a couple of unlucky atoms that get caught in a nasty cross-fire). Certainly not any sustained reaction.
 
  • #3
Thanks, Danger. However, the design described here is not about real lightning. You don't get to manipulate real lightning with the addition deuterium or tritium in the picture. You don't get as high voltage as the design theoretically could (if it works).
 
  • #4
Someone asked, "Have you tried the theory to magnify the voltage?" I actually tried building a simple VDG and direct the charges to another larger metal ball (not a VDG) successfully. However, I have never tried more than that. Hence, it would be difficult for me to say for sure whether it definitely would work.
 

1. How does a Van De Graaff machine work?

A Van De Graaff machine uses a motor to create a charge imbalance between two metal spheres. The motor turns a rubber belt, which rubs against a metal comb, transferring electrons to the belt. The belt then carries the electrons to the top sphere, creating a large positive charge. This creates a strong electric field between the two spheres, which can be used to accelerate particles or generate high voltage.

2. Can a Van De Graaff machine produce fusion?

No, a Van De Graaff machine cannot produce fusion. Although it can generate very high voltages, it does not have the necessary conditions to create fusion reactions. Fusion requires extremely high temperatures and pressures, which cannot be achieved with a Van De Graaff machine.

3. What is the maximum voltage a Van De Graaff machine can produce?

The maximum voltage a Van De Graaff machine can produce depends on its size and design. Large machines can produce voltages up to 5 million volts, while smaller machines may only reach a few hundred thousand volts. However, the voltage output is limited by factors such as air breakdown and corona discharge.

4. Are there any practical applications for using a Van De Graaff machine with very high voltage?

Yes, there are several practical applications for using a Van De Graaff machine with very high voltage. These include particle accelerators, electrostatic precipitators, and nuclear physics experiments. The high voltage generated by the machine can also be used for electrostatic demonstrations and experiments.

5. Is it safe to use a Van De Graaff machine with very high voltage?

While a Van De Graaff machine can generate high voltages, it is generally safe to use as long as proper precautions are taken. The machine should be operated by trained personnel and proper safety measures should be followed to prevent electrical shocks. Additionally, the machine should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure safe operation.

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