Patterns & Metaphors
Magnetic containment of plasma
Template:
Nuclear fusion can be achieved by confining plasma under certain conditions for sufficient time. A plasma is an electrical conducting medium consisting of positive and negative charges forming a neutrally charged distribution of matter. Plasma, as the fifth state of matter in which 99% of the universe is to be found, is unique in the way it interacts with itself, with electric and magnetic fields, and with its environment. (in contrast with the four other states of matter: reacting elements as in fire, gas, liquid and solid). Its properties depend upon on the collective behaviour of the constituent particles, as distinct from the individual. It is unique in its instability and its tendency to revert to ordinary combinations of matter and energy. In order to generate energy in a fusion reactor, the problem is to find the particular configuration of magnetic fields, values of plasma parameters and means of protecting the plasma from impurities which would quench it. This is achieved by 'bouncing' the plasma around within the configuration of a magnetic cavity (or 'bottle').
Metaphor:
Individual attention or collective awareness (public opinion) has properties analogous to those of a plasma. The problem of a significant breakthrough in mobilizing the political will to change is comparable to that of designing a fusion reactor. The challenge is to be able to contain and focus individual or collective attention (despite its inherent instability) by a suitable configuration of psycho-social functions that can protect such attention from degenerating into normal modes. Since no one function can be used to this end, the problem is to constrain attention by all of them simultaneously without allowing reliance or dependence on any one of them.
[Features] Recognition of the inherent instability of what needs to be contained and the problem of designing a container whose contexts cannot come into contact with its material components.
[Contrast] The modification of the perception of the environment under incitement to act or rebel suggests an implicit understanding of the need to bend every habitual perception to focus the will to act. Mysticism in both Eastern and Western traditions has stressed the need for an individual to create an inner environment to contain psychic energy (cf. alchemical containers, controlling the movement of 'ch'i', and the circulation of the 'golden fire'). Some mass rallies have design features which a intended to focus collective awareness. In some of these cases are the design considerations as explicit as in the fusion reactor problem.
[Keys] Plasma values. Extraordinary temperatures (of the order of 50 million degrees) required for fusion. Extraordinarily short time at that temperature for a viable energy yield to take place. Design of magnetic bottles and toroidal containers.<
