Stephen,
One way that the “fifth force” (or sixth, since the fifth force is already spoken for) could be relevant to LENR relates to Takahashi’s TSC theory, or a revised version of it. This involves a Tetrahedral Symmetric Condensate … which, of course, has four vertices, or four active components – normally four deuterons. This is a very stable platonic solid form, and it can look very much like beryllium-8. This is sometimes called cluster fusion since more than two particles are involved. Four deuterons in the ultradense UDD state could react giving the fusion product or else the appearance of a 8Be atom which the Hungarians base everything on. If we want to go beyond Takahashi, fusion is NOT required -- merely the temporary formation of the tetrahedron, which has binding energy, followed by its energetic breakup back to deuterons – courtesy of the fifth force. Implied is asymmetry. That is one way to avoid the problem of lack of gamma radiation. Of course no one knows the expected ash, but if helium is found, then it is real cluster fusion – but this is highly unlikely IMO and otherwise, there would be a new type of gain based on 5th force dynamics. From: Stephen Cooke Very interesting especially if a new force is implied. I do wonder though if the neutron cross- section is implicated somehow. This can also have a size several times that of the nucleus. Although Li7 has even number of neutrons which would have a neutron cross-section smaller than Li6 say I guess they have considered that though, but maybe discounted it due to the interaction being with a proton. I'm curious if a proton could look like a neutron to a nucleus though if it is interacting in some way with the electron orbitals of the Li7. I previously wondered if this could lead to electron capture with the proton and conversion to a neutron, but perhaps stimulated positron emission could also be considered.
