Bostick Plasmoid
Foundational concept for the entire plasmoid weapons lineage from 1956 to present.
01 Definition
Self-contained 'plasma-magnetic entity' first described by Winston Bostick in 1956 at UC Livermore. Formed by projecting ionized matter across a magnetic field. Foundational concept for all subsequent plasmoid weapons research.
02 Detailed_Analysis
Bostick coined 'plasmoid' in 1956 at UC Livermore under Project Sherwood (AEC). His plasma gun projected ionized matter at 2×10^7 cm/sec. Plasmoids exhibited reflection, curved orbits, fission, and spin. By 1957, he demonstrated laboratory simulation of spiral galaxy formation. The Armour Research Foundation (1958-1962) reproduced his plasmoids for missile defense. Shoulders met Bostick in 1980 at APS DPP San Diego. Nachamkin cited Bostick in 1992 Phillips Lab paper.
03 Key_Facts
- ▸ Coined 1956 at UC Livermore
- ▸ Project Sherwood (AEC)
- ▸ 2×10^7 cm/sec velocity
- ▸ Galaxy simulation 1957
- ▸ Shoulders met Bostick 1980
04 Deep_Dive_Intelligence
Bostick coined 'plasmoid' in 1956 at UC Livermore under Project Sherwood (AEC fusion program, Contract W-7405-ENG-48). His plasma gun projected ionized matter at speeds up to 2×10^7 cm/sec. He observed plasmoids reflecting off each other, following curved orbits, and smashing into fragments. By 1957, he demonstrated laboratory simulation of spiral galaxy formation using multiple plasma sources. His career spanned MIT Radiation Lab (1941-1948), Tufts (1948-1954), Livermore (1954-1956), and Stevens Institute (1956-1981/1986) as George Meade Bond Professor. His primary collaborator was Vittorio Nardi (1967-1995, 18 shared papers). At the 22nd APS DPP Annual Meeting (November 10-14, 1980, San Diego), Bostick met Ken Shoulders and interested him in vortex filaments — directly inspiring Shoulders' EVO work. Bostick also conducted research at the Air Force Weapons Laboratory (Kirtland AFB), establishing a direct institutional connection to later AFRL plasma weapons programs. His patent US 2,900,548 (1957) 'Plasma generator' was assigned to the US Atomic Energy Commission. Nachamkin's 1992 paper states: 'Some of the results of the simple theory may explain experiments performed by Bostick and his associates.' Bostick died January 19, 1991 in Tijuana, Mexico.
06 Related_Terms (2)
07 Related_Entities (12)
08 Timeline_Mentions (10)
Green Fireballs Near Sandia (1948-1950)
209 green fireball/orb sightings near Sandia New Mexico 1948-1950. Copper powder residue found as physical trace evidence. 116 pages of investigations released via PURSUE Release 2. Green fireballs ap
HistoricalBostick coins 'plasmoid' at UC Livermore
Winston H. Bostick publishes 'Experimental Study of Ionized Matter Projected across a Magnetic Field' in Physical Review, coining the term 'plasmoid' for self-contained plasma-magnetic entities.
ResearchArmour Research Foundation begins Air Force plasmoid program
Armour Research Foundation begins Air Force-funded plasmoid research under Contract AF 33(616)-5791, titled 'Research in the Measurements and Theory of Plasmoids and their Applications to Missiles and
Military ProgramRadio-Electronics reports AF plasmoid missile defense program
December 1960 Radio-Electronics magazine publishes 'Ball Lightning for Defense?' stating: 'Electronic fireballs of highly concentrated charged particles (plasma) might be used to destroy missiles... T
DisclosureAerojet delivers 'Investigation of Pulsed-Train Plasmoid Weapons' final report (AD339084) — SECRET with RESTRICTED DATA
Aerojet-General Corporation completes final report AF08(635)-1671 under Air Force contract, catalogued at DTIC as AD339084. Born SECRET with bracketed paragraphs identified as RESTRICTED DATA (Atomic
Military ProgramLASL Fast Liner Experiment
LASL Fast Liner Experiment using magnetically imploded aluminum liners. Direct precursor to FRCHX and CFS-NM SLC. Also used coaxial plasma gun for injection.
Fusion PhysicsPPPL Compact Toruses Symposium
PPPL symposium consolidating compact toroid (FRC/spheromak) research.
fusion-researchLLNL Beta II Compact Toroid Experiment
LLNL Beta II compact toroid experiment using coaxial plasma gun with LASL features. Second link in three-lab lineage: LANL (CTX) → LLNL (Beta II) → AFRL (MARAUDER).
Fusion PhysicsFoundational FRX Paper Published
W. T. Armstrong and others at LANL publish 'Field-reversed experiments (FRX) on compact toroids,' codifying FRC formation physics.
fusion-physicsLANL CTX Spheromak Experiment
LANL CTX using magnetized coaxial plasma gun to generate spheromaks. Foundational node of the three-lab compact toroid lineage.
Fusion Physics09 FAQ
What is Bostick Plasmoid? ▾
Why does Bostick Plasmoid matter? ▾
How does Bostick Plasmoid relate to other concepts? ▾
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Quick_Facts
- Category
- Concepts
- Aliases
- Bostick Plasmoid, bostick-plasmoid, Bostick plasmoid, plasma-magnetic entity
- Sources
- 2
- Related Terms
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- Graph Entities
- 12
- Timeline Events
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