Reply To: Global Warming

[asymmetric_implosion]

MAGLIF is far from a NIF boondoggle. They did the testing up to this point on a dime (in big science terms). Z is already paid for so the proof of concept experiment is all that needs to be completed. If they have the funding, ~$5M, they could probably get it working in a couple years. The real problem is shot time on Z. You need to get in line a year or more in advance and the Z operations folks don’t like neutrons. I know they have done some tests with the metal shell with hydrogen. The magnetic field coils are about ready. If they are in the queue, they could have data by end of the year showing a Q of 0.5-0.8.

Bad news though, NIF will hit breakeven first. It is dubbed too big to fail by NNSA and others in DOE.