Benjamin F. Bush
Benjamin F. Bush | |
|---|---|
| Known for | Cold fusion research; correlation of excess heat and helium |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Chemistry |
Benjamin F. Bush is a chemist and researcher known for his work in cold fusion (low-energy nuclear reactions), particularly the reported correlation between excess heat and helium-4 production in deuterated systems. He is listed in The Worldwide List of Dissident Scientists.
Work
Bush collaborated with Melvin H. Miles and co-workers on electrolysis experiments using palladium and heavy water carried out at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (China Lake). This research reported the formation of helium-4 during episodes when the electrolytic cells produced more energy than they consumed, with the measured helium production rate said to be of the magnitude expected for reactions yielding helium. To address criticism that atmospheric helium might diffuse into glass sample containers, metal flasks were used in later runs.
Bush is a co-author, with Miles and K. B. Johnson, of the report Anomalous Effects in Deuterated Systems (NAWCWPNS TP 8302, 1996) and of related papers analyzing excess heat, tritium, and helium in cold fusion experiments. Cold fusion claims of this kind are not accepted by the mainstream physics and chemistry communities, which have not reproduced the effects to general satisfaction.