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The Nuclear Dynamo — can a Nuclear Tornado Annihilate Nations?

J. Rand McNally, Jr.

Fusion Science and Technology / Volume 19 / Number 1 / January 1991 / Pages 162-169

Technical Paper / Safety/Environmental Aspect / dx.doi.org/10.13182/FST91-A29325

The hypothesis of a nuclear dynamo for a controlled nuclear fusion reactor is developed. This dynamo hypothesis suggests properties for a nuclear tornado that could annihilate nations if accidentally triggered by a single high yield to weight nuclear weapon detonation. The formerly classified reports on ignition of the atmosphere, the properties of a nuclear dynamo, methods to achieve a nuclear dynamo in the laboratory, and the analogy of a nuclear dynamo to a nuclear tornado are discussed. An unclassified international study of this question is urged.