1st Edition

Fusion A Voyage Through the Plasma Universe

By Hans Wilhelmsson Copyright 2000

    Journeying through fusion in the universe, Fusion: A Voyage Through the Plasma Universe discusses all aspects of fusion and how they relate to our universe. It also studies the attempts to produce fusion energy on Earth. The book addresses a wide range of topics from stars, galaxies, comets, pulsars, black holes, and quasars to the auroras, lightning, and fluorescent tubes.

    Interestingly, the author explores how artists and authors like Vincent van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, and Hannes Alfvén have been fascinated by cosmic phenomena that rely on fusion and plasmas. He discusses motions in plasma, such as flames, waves, and whirls similar to those that occur in water.

    The book also examines several other branches of science where parallels can be found with fusion plasmas, including ecological systems that provide only very short-term weather forecasts and the dramatic changes in the world economy with its explosive tendencies and sometimes catastrophic results. It briefly shows how these nonlinear phenomena are at the heart of modern fusion plasma theory.

    PART 1: FUSION IN THE COSMOS
    Plasmas
    Nuclear Fusion
    The Cosmos
    The Plasma Universe
    Electrical Discharges

    PART 2: FUSION ON EARTH
    Dynamic Fine Structure of Plasmas
    The Art of Magnetic Confinement
    Microballoon Explosions by Lasers: Inertial Confinement
    The Fusion Reactor
    Outlook into the Future

    Biography

    Hans Wilhelmsson

    "This delightful little book should really be entitled 'Fusion and related Matters' since its scope is extremely wide…"
    - Plasma Physics, vol. 64, part 2

    "The book balancedly represents all aspects of fusion, from history up to present-day research … the present work is of interest to anyone with some curiosity about fusion and plasma physics."
    -C.V. Meister, Astronomische Nachtrichten

    "Hans Wilhelmsson has written a fine, 'popular' but rigorous, exposition of the current state of plasma physics related to fusion. His book deserves to reach a wide audience and especially young students."
    -European Journal of Physics

    "This small but well-written book covers and emphasizes the importance of plasma physics in astrophysics and its potential use in solving the earth's energy problems."
    -Choice