DIRECT FUSION DRIVE

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Patent pending

The direct fusion drive concept is based on centrifugal mirror confinement (DFD-CM) of thermonuclear plasmas. Electric and magnetic fields are combined in a way that confines the plasma within a rapidly rotating annulus of burning plasma fixed between two mirror magnets. 

High energy fusion products leave the reactor core at a rate determined by the velocity of plasma rotation and the strength of the mirrors. Those departing through the jet-side mirror deposit their energy in a “warm” plasma that then expands through a magnetic nozzle to deliver jet power in the 100-1000 kW range. Moderate thrusts at attractive specific impulses (10,000+ seconds) are feasible. 

Fusion products departing through the power-side mirror are converted to electricity to power the reactor using a standing wave direct energy conversion (SWDEC) scheme.