David Nilsen wrote: HEPlaR is designed so that fusion products are
not vented into the exhaust. That CAN be done, the same way that in a
pressurized water nuclear reactor the steam that goes into the turbine
is not radioactive.
The primary coolant that goes through the core passes heat to the
secondary coolant that goes into the turbines. That's the same
premise
with HEPlaR.
I don’t agree with this premise.
HEPlaR or High Efficiency Plasma Recombustion requires a heat
exchanger recombustion chamber. Hydrogen is injected into the
recombustion chamber and the power generated by the engine (fusion
power plant) heats the hydrogen to a plasma state. The plasma is then
released as a high velocity stream of reaction mass (FF&S Pg 70)
Plasma is made and sent outside the ship to provide reaction mass and
therefore thrust for the ship SO how can you say that fusion products
are not vented? The fusion product of plasma is vented and yes it is
radioactive, though only for a short time.
Enjoy!
Craige