What Would Happen if LHC Beam Impinged On Someone/Something?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the hypothetical effects of a high-energy proton beam from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) impacting a person or object. Participants explore the potential consequences of such an event, considering both theoretical implications and historical incidents.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the effects of a proton beam at near-light speed, suggesting possibilities such as creating a hole, burning, or passing through an object.
  • Another participant references the case of Anatoly Bugorski, who survived a proton beam accident, noting that while he retained his mental abilities, he suffered nerve damage and facial paralysis.
  • A different participant emphasizes that the LHC beam is interlocked and operates in a vacuum, indicating that access to the beam is not possible. They also mention that the energy stored in the beam is significant, equating one megajoule to the energy of a stick of dynamite.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple viewpoints regarding the potential effects of a proton beam impact, with no consensus reached on the specific outcomes or implications of such an event.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to historical incidents and theoretical considerations but does not resolve the uncertainties surrounding the effects of a proton beam on living tissue or objects.

entropydave
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Hello everyone,
Ummm... question that I was asked by one of my children which i just cannot answer...
With the LHC running with a beam of highly accelerated protons whizzing around... what would be the effect if they were able to impinge on someone (or something).
Seeing as they are moving so close to the speed of light, there must be considerable energy in them thar beams... would it punch a hole? Burn? Or simply largely pass right through?


sorry for naive question!

thanks
 
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entropydave said:
With the LHC running with a beam of highly accelerated protons whizzing around... what would be the effect if they were able to impinge on someone (or something).

The russion researcher Anatoly Bugorski had an accident during which a proton beam went through his head. Miraculously, he survived. His personality and mental abilities remained intact. Due to nerve damage part of his face is paralyzed.

In an article about Sovjet nuclear research in general Anatoly Bugorski's case is recounted, and Bugorski is quoted, telling about his accident and how he is doing.
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/5.12/science.html"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Cleonis said:
The russion researcher Anatoly Bugorski had an accident during which a proton beam went through his head. Miraculously, he survived. His personality and mental abilities remained intact. Due to nerve damage part of his face is paralyzed.

In an article about Sovjet nuclear research in general Anatoly Bugorski's case is recounted, and Bugorski is quoted, telling about his accident and how he is doing.
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/5.12/science.html"

That is seriously grievous! Poor guy. Thanks for the link
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The beam is interlocked and in vacuum, so there's no way to get at the beam. However, the stored energy is many megajoules, which would be deposited in whatever stopped it. One megajoule is roughly the energy in a stick of dynamite.
 

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