h a l f b a k e r yYou could have thought of that.
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A pendulum clock with a plutonium mass at the end of the pendulum. When the pendulum swings upwards, the plutonium mass comes into contact with another plutonium mass large enough to cause a critical mass, and large release of energy. The thermal energy is harnessed to power the clock. Beta radiation
strikes a phosphor screen to light the face of the clock for many, many years.
Inspired by mouseposture's comment on the Nukem's Cradle idea.
I like radiation.
Nukem's Cradle
Nukem_27s_20Cradle
Like this, but a clock. [DIYMatt, Sep 21 2011]
Did someone say energy standard?
Watt-backed_20money
I am shameless. [Voice, Sep 25 2011]
[link]
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Apart from the massive shielding required to contain the neutron
pulses, the mechanism itself would be reasonably compact. |
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If unranium was named after Uranus, then plutonium was named after Pluto...and if Pluto is no longer a planet...is plutonium no longer an element? |
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(Preapology for predictable poor joke) |
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Uranium was not named after my anus - speak for yourself. |
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And everyone knows Pluto is a dog. |
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Run fast, [Twizz], those tumbleweeds are catching up on you... @
.......... @ ......... |
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//Uranium was not named after my anus - speak for
yourself.// Some people think the sun shines out of
their ass, but [Twizz] is a modest sort: they think
it's
Cherenkov radiation. |
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Forgive me, since this topic is way out of my league, but
wouldn't repeated near-critical events lead to accelerated
degradation, making the clock run slower and slower as
time went on? |
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I'm banking on the energy surplus being so high that the clock can run for years regardless of degredation. |
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Aren't there new regulations against that sort of banking? |
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Yeah, I don't know if we want to put our economy on the
"energy standard"-- what happens if the lights go out? |
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Fear not; the Democrats will increase taxes, then print lots and lots of banknotes that can be burnt for warmth and light. |
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Oh, well, I'll be fine, then. |
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