An Indispensable Truth: How Fusion Power Can Save the Planet [Hardcover]

Francis F. Chen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 22, 2011 | ISBN-10: 1441978194 | ISBN-13: 978-1441978196 | Edition: 1st Edition.

Recent books have raised the public consciousness about the dangers of global warming and climate change. This book is intended to convey the message that there is a solution. The solution is the rapid development of hydrogen fusion energy. This energy source is inexhaustible and, although achieving fusion energy is difficult, the progress made in the past two decades has been remarkable. The physics issues are now understood well enough that serious engineering can begin.The book starts with a summary of climate change and energy sources, trying to give a concise, clear, impartial picture of the facts, separate from conjecture and sensationalism. Controlled fusion -- the difficult problems and ingenious solutions -- is then explained using many new concepts.The bottom line -- what has yet to be done, how long it will take, and how much it will cost -- may surprise you. Francis F. Chen's career in plasma has extended over five decades. His textbook Introduction to Plasma Physics has been used worldwide continuously since 1974. He is the only physicist who has published significantly in both experiment and theory and on both magnetic fusion and laser fusion. As an outdoorsman and runner, he is deeply concerned about the environment. Currently he enjoys bird photography and is a member of the Audubon Society.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews: “The ‘indispensable truth’ is that Chen … has written what may well be recognized as the definitive retrospective on the promise of endless supplies of cheap, clean nuclear energy from fusion, offering the prospect of realizing the promise at last. … It is stylishly written, designed, and illustrated to appeal to general readers … . Chen is in his comfort zone as he tells his story, and the indispensable truth is that it is just that–indispensable! Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries.”­­­ (L. W. Fine, Choice, Vol. 49 (3), November, 2011)

From the Back Cover

Both global warming and oil shortage can be solved by controlled fusion, a clean power source that will serve mankind for millennia.� The idea of hydrogen fusion as well as its difficulties are presented in non-technical language to dispel the notion that fusion is always 50 years away.� This book also summarizes the evidence for climate change and explains the principles of both fossil and "green" energy sources to show that fusion is the best alternative for central-station power in the near term as well as the far future. Praise for An Indispensable Truth: How Fusion Power Can Save the Planet: "In this study Professor Chen outlines the underlying physics, recent progress in achieving advanced plasmas and magnetic confinement, and hopes for the future. He recognizes the difficulties that remain in engineering a fusion reactor, but he remains optimistic regarding ultimate success, yet fearful of the consequences were we to fail."- James R. Schlesinger, former Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission; Director, Central Intelligence Agency; Secretary of Defense; and Secretary of Energy "With lots of detail and examples, Chen brings the technical topic of fusion to life, making the book a great read for scientists and nonscientists alike."- Representative Rush Holt (D-NJ) "Professor Chen has opened the door to energy survival for our globe. His insightful analysis makes the case for fusion energy, and he conveys both its complexity and its promise. This book is a must for all those who are concerned about the energy future of our species."- Raymond L Orbach, former Undersecretary for Science, U.S. Department of Energy "This is an important book for anyone who wishes to understand the greatest challenge we face. Frank Chen makes the science of fusion and energy clear, compelling, and hugely enjoyable."- Steven Cowley, Director and CEO, Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 450 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1st Edition. edition (April 22, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1441978194
• ISBN-13: 978-1441978196
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #937,883 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars well written, easily understandable, May 31, 2011

By 

avocet "avocet" (Arlington VA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: An Indispensable Truth: How Fusion Power Can Save the Planet (Hardcover)

The book avoids mathematical language almost exclusively. I am a research physicist and found the book both informative and straight-forward for the general reader. The book can serve to dispel common notions (and fears) which lump fission and fusion processes as simply "nuclear". There are areas which are not easily understood to an untrained reader but for the most part the author does a commendable job of either leading to other explanations through references.....or not making too much of an issue over those items which are not technically necessary for a general reader to grasp his point.

5.0 out of 5 stars Balanced, December 3, 2011

By 

Aristarchus "Macaw" (IN. USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: An Indispensable Truth: How Fusion Power Can Save the Planet (Hardcover)

This book Is the only book on fusion power that I have seen for the lay reader that conveys the difficult scientific and engineering challenges of making fusion power a reality. I feel that this book does not give an overly optimistic assessment of the chances for success, nor a gloomy and negative outlook as was portrayed in the book "Sun in a Bottle".