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Re: RE: starship-design: Hull Materials




In a message dated 11/14/97 11:00:59 AM, lparker@cacaphony.net wrote:

>Timothy,
>
>Why was the sail made of lithium? There are plenty of choices that have 
>much better tensile strength, high reflectivity, and high emissivity. 
>Calcium metal for instance, it is as easy to work as copper, almost as 
>light as lithium and much stronger than lithium. It is also a better 
>electrical conductor than copper which may turn out to be useful.
>
>There are lots of alloys that will also provide superior characteristics 
>than lithium.
>
>Lee


Lithium-6 and hydrogen can fuel a fusion reactor with out producing radiation
or heat it noatable quantityies.  I.E. the microwave sail is collected and
burned as the deceleration fuel.  Hence the name Fuel/Sail.  ;)

Kelly