`Cylindrical Cavitation' and its possible use for the high-efficiency conversion of thermal energy generated by chemical or thermonuclear reactions taking place in a cavity

Abstract

We consider the collapse of a cylindrical cavity in the rotating fluid. A process of gas heating in the cavity is discussed. If chemical reactions (e.g. fuel combustion) occur in the cavity during its collapse, then the energy yield of this reaction can be used in the process of the subsequent cavity expansion. For example, this energy can be transformed into electrical power. We show that a high recuperation coefficient can be achieved in such a process. A possibility of heating plasma in the collapsing cavity up to thermonuclear temperatures is discussed. Furthermore, we discuss whether the energy yield in the thermonuclear reactions can be made approximately equal to the energy losses in the heating process before reaching thermonuclear temperatures.