I wrote: I note that kanthal super, referred to by Bob Higgins elsewhere, appears to > be used in some cases under a normal atmosphere: ... >
It now occurs to me why the alumina tubes might have been used in the Lugano test: http://lenr.qumbu.com/web_hotcat_pics/141011_lugano_fig12a.jpg The three alumina tubes on either side of the E-Cat, within which run the three cables delivering the 3-phase power, might be protecting not the cables but the surroundings, for the the cables themselves might not be Inconel at that point; they might be kanthal super or something similar, e.g., heating elements. Note that kanthal super looks like it is somewhat ductile in some of its forms: http://i00.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/60026153072/Kanthal_Super_Heating_Elements_Kanthal_Wire_for.jpg http://i01.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/1968666257_1/resistance_wire_kanthal_super_heating_elements_for.jpg_220x220.jpg The word "brittle" does not come readily to mind when I look at these images. Eric
