SONOFUSION RESEARCH EXAMINATION COMMITTEE COMPLETES REVIEW
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. A Purdue University examination committee
reviewing issues concerning research on the use of sound waves to
create nuclear fusion reactions has completed its work.
"The committee has submitted a report, and I will take appropriate
action after studying the recommendations," said Charles O. Rutledge,
vice president for research, who appointed the committee in March.
"Any further action in this matter will be conducted as an internal
matter under appropriate university procedures."
Rutledge appointed the examination committee after the British
research journal Nature reported on its Web site that some
researchers had raised questions about the research of Rusi
Taleyarkhan, a Purdue professor of nuclear engineering.
Since joining the Purdue faculty in 2004 and previously at the Oak
Ridge National Laboratory, Taleyarkhan has published research
findings in several refereed journals showing evidence that
"sonofusion" generates nuclear reactions by creating tiny bubbles
that implode with tremendous force. Experimental nuclear fusion
reactors have historically required large, multibillion-dollar
machines, but sonofusion devices might be built for a fraction of the
cost and theoretically could be an unlimited source of clean energy.
"Specific recommendations of the examination committee and any
subsequent steps by the university will be treated as confidential
internal matters," Rutledge said.
In a statement issued at the time the committee was appointed,
Provost Sally Mason said: "Purdue is well aware that there are
legitimate differences of scientific opinion about the theories
behind Dr. Taleyarkhan's work. Those differences are the reason
scientists share their findings.
"The research claims are very significant, and the allegations are
very serious. As in any scientific endeavor, Purdue's ultimate goals
are truth and integrity."
Taleyarkhan first reported observing the bubble fusion effect in
March 2002 in the journal Science. In addition to its potential as a
new source of clean energy, Taleyarkhan and other researchers believe
sonofusion could be used in a wide range of applications from
homeland security to the study of neutron stars and black holes.
Source: Joseph L. Bennett, vice president for university relations,
(765) 494-2082, jlbennett@purdue.edu
Related Web site:
Purdue University Home Page: http://www.purdue.edu
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