Scientists are using mayonnaise to study plasma behavior and instability, potentially leading to breakthroughs in nuclear fusion research.

Researchers at Lehigh University are experimenting with mayonnaise to unlock the secrets of nuclear fusion, a potential source of limitless, clean energy.

This research builds on their previous work, published in 2019, which also utilized mayonnaise to understand the physics behind fusion.

“We use mayonnaise because it behaves like a solid, but when subjected to a pressure gradient, it starts to flow,” said Arindam Banerjee, the Paul B. Reinhold Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics at Lehigh University.

This characteristic of mayonnaise mimics the behavior of plasma under similar conditions.

    • guy_threepwood@lemmy.world
      221·
      4 months ago

      Most people don’t know that back in 1912, Hellmann’s mayonnaise was only manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York.

      This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico. But as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg and sank, and the cargo was forever lost.

      The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss. Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day.

      The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course, as Sinko de Mayo.

      The Mayonnaise is probably still down there, we just need to convince a submarine of billionaires to go and collect it.

  • JohnSmith
    13·
    4 months ago

    I was aware that mayonnaise energy density is pretty high, but damn.

  • GreatAlbatrossAEnglish
    11·
    4 months ago

    Well, that explains why the french are leading the world in fusion power.

  • Zip2
    5·
    4 months ago

    This has the makings of an Ig Nobel award!

    • BearOfaTime@lemm.ee
      71·
      4 months ago

      Helman’s or Best, there are no others (pretty sure Helman’s is sold as Best in certain regions). P

      Is Duke’s a regional brand?

      Hmm, I may stand corrected - just looked it up and they use more egg yolks than even Helman’s, so probably more like my own home made mayo.

      I only buy mayo for either travel or just to have in the fridge just-in-case - too easy to make at home with a stick blender or even a hand mixer.

      Duke’s is on my shopping list now, maybe I’ll find it locally.