The mystery behind the arc reactor in the Iron Man armor

Let's analyze the technology used in Iron Man's arc reactor with real scientific knowledge.

Science fiction always gives us daring and extremely interesting ideas, but these ideas are partly based on real things.The mini arc reactor , the Iron Man's special power armor is one of those ideas. This is a fictional device in comics and movies, but we are referring to the actual scientific aspects around it. So how does a device like the mini arc reactor in the Iron Man iron armor work, and can we make similar devices in the future?

First we need to know what happens inside an arc reactor that makes it possible to produce energy.

The arc reactor in the film is quite large in size, designed with a round pipe.

Basically, we can see that Stark's arc reactor is like a standard real-life ITER fusion reactor system. Different from nuclear reactions (fission reaction), which applies in nuclear power plants. Fusion reaction (fusion reaction) is the process of synthesizing two atoms into a new atom.

The ITER fusion reactor model in practice.

In fact, scientists combine two isotopes of hydrogen, deuterium and tritium, at very high energies to form helium atoms and a free neutron. While this mass of helium and neutrons is lower than the original deuterium and tritium, the mass lost is converted into energy, specifically through the amount of heat released.

Based on this theory, as well as the actual fusion reactor model, we can explain why Tony's arc reactor has a circular design (like a donut). This design aims to keep atoms able to move constantly inside and they can reach extremely high speeds, to lead to collisions between atoms and cause the reaction to occur. In order to keep these particles moving in the same ring shape, scientists need to use a very strong magnetic field. Also so that the fusion reactor has a lot of magnet windings wound outside, we can see the same thing with the arc reactor in the film.

One thing to note, however, is that the energy produced by the fusion reactor is very high in heat, and it needs a cooling system so that the device does not melt. Meanwhile Tony's arc reactor does not have this system, but in the movie we don't see this guy being burnt. The reason is that the arc reactor converts energy directly into an electric arc, without converting it into heat.

The design of the mini arc reactor.

So why can Tony do this, let's go back to the design of the mini arc reactor in Iron Man's armor. Based on the fictitious information in the film, the mini arc reactor consists of a palladium-containing core, the magnetic coils coil around a round tube, it is not infinite, thus needing a certain fuel source.

In fact, palladium is studied as a substrate for "cold" thermonuclear reactions without releasing superheated plasma. Palladium has two special isotopes, the Pd-103 and the Pd-107. In it, isotope Pd-103 produces Rh-103 (rhodium) through the process of colliding and absorbing electrons, the finished product is a neutron and an energy photon - a gamma ray. The Pd-107 isotope produces Ag-107 (silver) through decay to release electrons, which is the reverse process above.

Thus, based on this practical knowledge, the arc reactor uses the core Pd-107 , while in the round tube of the reactor, Pd-103s move at very high speeds (possibly due to power pre-loaded power). After the Pd-107 decay process begins, the electrons are released and continue to move at high speed in the tube by the magnetic field the coils create (as mentioned above). When these electrons collide with Pd-103, the process produces rhodium and gamma rays with high energy. These gamma rays continue to shine on the inner Pd-107 core and create new free electrons, which in turn continuously takes place.

Principle of operation of arc reactors.The core is isotope Pd-107, Pd-103 isotope moves in the outer ring.Electron energy particles move outward, gamma rays reflect back into the core.The potential difference creates an electric current.

So where is electricity generated? It is from the difference in electron charge between the outer core and circle that creates a very large voltage , because in this process the Pd-107 core always releases electrons to the outer ring. Pd-107 and Pd-103 isotopes are gradually transformed into Rh-103 and Ag-107 as mentioned above and the reaction will stop when palladium has been completely metabolized. This explains why the Iron Man could still run out of batteries.

So we understand how the Iron Man arc reactor and the mini-arc reactor work. However, there are still some interesting things around it that science can explain, such as soft blue light emitted from the reactor.

In fact, light emitted from the mini arc reactor is very similar to Cherenkov radiation . This is a special phenomenon when an energy particle (such as an electron) moves in an environment (water or air) at a speed faster than the speed of light in that environment. Unlike electric arc light radiation (bright and bright), cool blue Cherenkov radiation is very similar to what we see in the film.

This is an image of a nuclear reactor that creates Cherenkov radiation in practice.

Another aspect that science can explain is the intoxication caused by the arc reactor to Tony. In the movie we can see that Tony is poisoned and the blood vessels near the reactor turn green.

As mentioned above, the reaction process produces rhodium and silver. According to a medical study, storing too much silver in the blood can cause the body to turn blue-gray. Stan Jones politician in Montana is one of those with silver poisoning due to excessive use of Colloidal Silver, a silver ion-containing drug that helps kill bacteria and viruses.

Mr. Stan Jones with a gray face due to silver poisoning

Besides rhodium is a heavy metal substance and highly toxic if accumulated in the body. According to the study of this substance, it is highly likely to cause cancer, causing large stretch marks. That's why Tony had to find a substitute for palladium in new armor, maybe the reaction was still the same with palladium, but could increase performance and reduce toxicity.

Thus, we can basically create a future arc reactor, based on the current fusion reactor. Although controlling the enormous energy source that this reaction produces is not a simple thing. But future science and technology can solve this problem. As for a mini arc reactor that fits just the palm and a powerful armor like in the movie, it is probably forever a product of imagination.

Reference: gizmodo, wiki 1, marvel.wikia