Ronald Cline

Molded graphite. I have no idea of the expense.

I don't know, but I wonder if you use compressed dry clay powder instead of pre-fired brick, would it work.  Mixing perlite with it may even boost its performance.

Do you know how much surface area of your design will exceed this temperature?

Research basalt, it is an abundant natural materials from volcanos. It is used today for many heat and strength purposes.  I believe it maybe relatively inexpensive compared to your other metallic material listed.

Thanks Big Al, I'm glad I didn't or couldn't build it. Why is it when you need a bomb you can't build it and when you don't you're really good at it without knowing? Seriously, I really don't want to build a bomb. What is an amateur to do? I find science fascinating yet I'm not an expert. I think up a lot of ideas and sketch them without really knowing how to get any further, some are personal issues I really cannot help myself. I'm so very thankful someone answered my post. Thanks.

What do you think? I can't build it to test it.