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Cold fusion in palladium: a more realistic calculation
1Department of Physics, Arizona Research Laboratories, University of Arizona, Tuscon, AZ 85721, USA.
Summary
This study modifies the Thomas-Fermi-Mott equation to accurately calculate deuteron fusion rates in palladium. The revised model yields a fusion rate of 10(-23) sec-1, aligning with experimental findings.
Area of Science:
- Condensed matter physics
- Nuclear fusion
Background:
- The Thomas-Fermi-Mott equation describes electron behavior in metals.
- Accurate calculation of deuteron fusion rates is crucial for understanding nuclear processes in materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To refine the Thomas-Fermi-Mott equation for improved deuteron fusion rate calculations.
- To incorporate the wave-number-dependent effective mass of conduction electrons.
Main Methods:
- Modification of the Thomas-Fermi-Mott equation.
- Considering effective electron mass at low wave-numbers and free-electron mass at high wave-numbers.
- Calculation of deuteron-deuteron fusion rates in palladium.
Main Results:
- A modified Thomas-Fermi-Mott equation was developed.
- The calculated fusion rate for deuteron pairs in palladium is 10(-23) sec-1.
- The Oppenheimer-Phillips process was found to enhance this rate by a factor of 2.262.
Conclusions:
- The modified equation provides a more realistic estimation of deuteron fusion rates.
- The results are consistent with some experimental observations.
- The Oppenheimer-Phillips process significantly boosts the fusion rate.