Authors:
Presents fusion energy as a potential solution for global warming in a way not previously described
Explains recent developments in fusion energy in a language for vast, non-scientific readership, with technical details included in the Appendices
Provides the reader with a simplified summary of alternate energy sources written by a pioneer in fusion research
Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras
Buy it now
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Other ways to access
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check for access.
Table of contents (11 chapters)
-
Front Matter
-
Why Fusion Is Indispensable
-
Front Matter
-
-
How Fusion Works and What It Can Do
-
Front Matter
-
-
Back Matter
About this book
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.
Reviews
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)
"With An Indispensable Truth: How Fusion Power Can Save the Planet, Frank Chen has provided a sweeping perspective on fusion energy. He covers everything from climage change to plasma instabilities. On climate change and energy, the view is best from 30 000 feet: The book provides a good high-level overview of the issues at stake...On fusion plasma physics, Chen's area of expertise, An Indispensable Truth provides an intuitive, up-close explanation of exciting recent advances and future challenges...An Indispensable Truth provides an exciting whirlwind tour of energy issues and technologies, with particular insight into fusion. Chen is correct to emphasize the tremendous progress that has been made in fusion research. ITER will produce hundreds of millions of watts of thermal energy from fusion, for periods of up to an hours. However, it remains for the world, and in particular the US, to decide if we will develop fusion into a practical energy source. We will need it." (Physics Today, Volume 65, Issue 2, February 2012)
Authors and Affiliations
-
Electrical Engineering Department, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
Francis F. Chen
About the author
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: An Indispensable Truth
Book Subtitle: How Fusion Power Can Save the Planet
Authors: Francis F. Chen
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-7820-2
Publisher: Springer New York, NY
eBook Packages: Physics and Astronomy, Physics and Astronomy (R0)
Copyright Information: Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011
Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-4419-7819-6Published: 22 April 2011
Softcover ISBN: 978-1-4939-4075-2Published: 23 August 2016
eBook ISBN: 978-1-4419-7820-2Published: 11 April 2011
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XVII, 433
Topics: Nuclear Fusion, Renewable and Green Energy, Plasma Physics, Climate Change, Sustainable Development