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General => Archive => Topic started by: Sigz on January 08, 2010, 07:50:20 PM

Title: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Sigz on January 08, 2010, 07:50:20 PM
https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/29/science/29train.html?_r=4&ref=science

Quote
During the holiday season, many people place toy trains on circular tracks beneath their Christmas trees.

This month, at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, physicists and engineers built tracks inside one of its fusion reactors and ran a toy train on them for three days.

It was not an exercise in silliness, but in calibration.

The modified model of a diesel train engine was carrying a small chunk of californium-252, a radioactive element that spews neutrons as it falls apart.

“We needed to refine the calibration technique to make sure we are measuring our neutrons as accurately as possible,” said Masa Ono, the project head of the National Spherical Torus Experiment.

The spherical torus experiment is a small reactor designed to test new approaches to fusion, in which hydrogen atoms are fused together at ultrahigh temperatures to produce energy — as the Sun does. Fusion generates copious numbers of neutrons, which tell how well the reaction is proceeding.

The reactor has been shut down for improvements, and the downtime provided an opportunity for recalibrating the neutron sensors.

A stationary neutron source was previously used for the calibration, but that did not fully capture how the neutrons bounced around. Putting the californium on the moving train improved the accuracy by about a factor of 10, Dr. Ono said. (The same technique had been used two decades earlier at one of Princeton laboratory’s older reactors.)

Experiments at the reactor are set to restart in March.

Californium is only slightly radioactive, so the toy train did not glow green after its ride in the fusion reactor. And now that it has completed its physics duties, the train, back in its original state, is running around the laboratory’s Christmas tree in the lobby.

(https://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/12/29/science/29train_CA0/popup.jpg)

Not sure why I posted this, I just found it funny/cool. *shrug*
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: MetalJunkie on January 09, 2010, 04:35:18 AM
Looks like they're on the right track.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Arch Benemy on January 09, 2010, 06:22:30 AM
I hope those guys have had the proper train-ing, or their experiment might run out of steam
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Zydar on January 09, 2010, 06:24:04 AM
Those who came up with that had a real loco-motive.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: RobD on January 09, 2010, 06:31:12 AM
What made them choo-choo-choose a model train? Wouldn't a trained dog work just as well?
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Arch Benemy on January 09, 2010, 06:55:19 AM
What made them choo-choo-choose a model train? Wouldn't a trained dog work just as well?
I guess they're just model scientists
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: rumborak on January 09, 2010, 06:59:54 AM
That is a tender way of doing science.

rumborak
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Vahvahenki on January 09, 2010, 08:36:57 AM
Will there be any serious discussion or is this thread about to derail?
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 09, 2010, 08:39:32 AM
Will there be any serious discussion or is this thread about to derail?

Well, how about you be more of a conductor of discussion?
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: sonatafanica on January 09, 2010, 09:06:10 AM
I have to at least congratulate them for getting the wheels in motion for future fusion experiments.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Vahvahenki on January 09, 2010, 09:08:46 AM
Will there be any serious discussion or is this thread about to derail?

Well, how about you be more of a conductor of discussion?

I would if only I were more capable, I'm afraid I'm res-trained by a lack of worth-mentionable opinions.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: ariich on January 09, 2010, 09:20:20 AM
This thread does not disappoint. :lol
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: rumborak on January 09, 2010, 09:33:05 AM
This thread does not disappoint. :lol

Trust me, we've not run out of steam yet.

rumbora
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 09, 2010, 09:35:48 AM
This thread does not disappoint. :lol

Trust me, we've not run out of steam yet.

rumbora


Yeah, so much it's a real freight.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: RobD on January 09, 2010, 09:36:46 AM
This thread does not disappoint. :lol

C-C-C-COMBO BREAKER!
(https://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp146/ASRLG/ComboBreaker.jpg)
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: ariich on January 09, 2010, 09:54:52 AM
ACCOUNT INACTIVE! :P

This thread does not disappoint. :lol

Trust me, we've not run out of steam yet.

rumbora

:lol Still keeping things on track I see.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 09, 2010, 09:57:09 AM
DTF: Derailing is our instinct.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Vahvahenki on January 09, 2010, 10:23:23 AM
I'm afraid this will be the last contribution on my part, I lost track of the amount of possible puns on one subject.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: rumborak on January 09, 2010, 10:39:45 AM
ACCOUNT INACTIVE! :P

This thread does not disappoint. :lol

Trust me, we've not run out of steam yet.

rumbora

:lol Still keeping things on track I see.

Nothing you can do about it; that train has left the station.

rumborak
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: lonestar on January 09, 2010, 11:47:30 AM
I'm sure we can keep it chugging along.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: rumborak on January 09, 2010, 12:18:05 PM
Now that's the ticket.

rumborak
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 09, 2010, 12:52:25 PM
All aboard is watching for more puns.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Dimitrius on January 09, 2010, 12:55:25 PM
 :rollin :rollin :rollin
 

:tup

Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Ultimetalhead on January 09, 2010, 01:01:28 PM
Well, this thread got off-track pretty fast.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 09, 2010, 01:03:53 PM
You could say that we made a fast crossing.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Ultimetalhead on January 09, 2010, 01:04:24 PM
Seriously, this thread should be used as a model to train noobs in the ways of DTF Derailment By Puns.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: XianL on January 09, 2010, 01:06:46 PM
We've burnt up enough coal going off-topic, can we realign to the proper subject, please?
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 09, 2010, 01:08:22 PM
Seriously, this thread should be used as a model to train noobs in the ways of DTF Derailment By Puns.

:clap:
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: XianL on January 09, 2010, 01:10:01 PM
Seriously, this thread should be used as a model to train noobs in the ways of DTF Derailment By Puns.

(https://www.codekitchen.net/assets/0000/0013/keanu_whoa.jpg)
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Ultimetalhead on January 09, 2010, 01:13:55 PM
We've burnt up enough coal going off-topic, can we realign to the proper subject, please?
Why can't you just be a model poster and stop feeding the fires?
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Sigz on January 09, 2010, 01:22:13 PM
I'm amazed you guys haven't run out of steam after all these puns.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: XianL on January 09, 2010, 01:23:20 PM
We're just running on fumes now.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Ultimetalhead on January 09, 2010, 01:27:21 PM
So far it looks like this thread is a runaway hit.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Sigz on January 09, 2010, 01:28:30 PM
It's really become the little thread that could.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Ultimetalhead on January 09, 2010, 01:29:54 PM
Really, I'm surprised it's kept a-rollin' as well as it has.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 09, 2010, 01:43:37 PM
OK, to make this one for the archives, this reply right here should be the caboose. We are done. Fin.

Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: glaurung on January 09, 2010, 01:47:14 PM
OK, to make this one for the archives, this reply right here should be the caboose. We are done. Fin.



Dammit, I've been planning on making a caboose joke but I was going to wait for the thread to die out.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 09, 2010, 01:49:04 PM
Looks like you missed your station.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: lonestar on January 09, 2010, 03:19:36 PM
OK, to make this one for the archives, this reply right here should be the caboose. We are done. Fin.




Dammit, I've been planning on making a caboose joke but I was going to wait for the thread to die out.
Being on schedule is the ticket to good derailment.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: rumborak on January 09, 2010, 03:28:17 PM
OK, to make this one for the archives, this reply right here should be the caboose. We are done. Fin.




Dammit, I've been planning on making a caboose joke but I was going to wait for the thread to die out.
Being on schedule is the ticket to good derailment.

Too forced. Sorry, but I think this is your stop.

rumborak
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: lonestar on January 09, 2010, 03:38:15 PM
 :'(
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Dimitrius on January 09, 2010, 03:40:18 PM
:'(
You lost your train of thought and went down the wrong track.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: lonestar on January 09, 2010, 03:43:00 PM
Yeah, well screw you guys, I'm fucking flying.
























You sure I still can't play? :caffeine:
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: robwebster on January 09, 2010, 04:18:12 PM
Pretty sure this is all just a platform for publicity.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: TimmyHiggy on January 09, 2010, 06:19:41 PM
Yeah, well screw you guys, I'm fucking flying.

You sure I still can't play? :caffeine:

If this statement was a natural event, it would be a mis-carriage
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: 73109 on January 09, 2010, 06:20:30 PM
:| Train.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: MetalManiac666 on January 09, 2010, 06:25:01 PM
(https://www.heyitsfree.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/grandpa-simpson.gif)
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: robwebster on January 09, 2010, 06:25:10 PM
Good pun Numbers.
OK, to make this one for the archives, this reply right here should be the caboose. We are done. Fin.




Dammit, I've been planning on making a caboose joke but I was going to wait for the thread to die out.
Being on schedule is the ticket to good derailment.

Too forced. Sorry, but I think this is your stop.

rumborak

Agreed. Seriously, much respect lonestar, but that was a trainwreck of a post.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: lonestar on January 09, 2010, 07:06:57 PM
It seems I'm being railroaded outta here.



(is this how 73109 feels like all the time, damn)
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 09, 2010, 07:23:23 PM
It's OK dude, you'll be outta that tunnel in no time. You cook amazing bacony things.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Dimitrius on January 09, 2010, 07:46:43 PM
James has a lot of esteem for you.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: lonestar on January 09, 2010, 08:14:53 PM
 :lol

You guys fucking kill me!!!
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Sigz on January 09, 2010, 08:21:02 PM
James has a lot of esteem for you.

James makes me quite steamy.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 09, 2010, 08:25:21 PM
That's because I know how to ride your choo-choo.









































:metardica:
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Ultimetalhead on January 09, 2010, 08:30:07 PM
Enough! This thread has run out of steam. Pull the cord and side-track it into the archive.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 09, 2010, 08:31:25 PM
Enough! This thread has run out of steam. Pull the cord and side-track it into the archive.

I tried to caboose it there already DUDE.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Sigz on January 09, 2010, 08:32:25 PM
I concur. Time to decommission this before it derails again.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: XJDenton on January 09, 2010, 08:58:16 PM
Guess that makes me the Fat Controller.
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 09, 2010, 09:00:19 PM
XJ, do your thing!
Title: Re: Need to calibrate the sensors in a fusion reactor? Use a model train.
Post by: Nick on January 10, 2010, 11:28:30 AM
I see this thread has departed from General Discussion Junction and made its way to Archive Station. :D