Space Elevator, Can we build one? |
Space Elevator, Can we build one? |
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#1
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![]() Member ![]() ![]() ![]() Group: Members Posts: 147 Joined: 3-July 04 From: Chicago, IL Member No.: 91 ![]() |
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#2
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![]() Senior Member ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Group: Members Posts: 1887 Joined: 20-November 04 From: Iowa Member No.: 110 ![]() |
There is not a specific minimum tensile strength needed to build a space elevator. The space elevator is tapered so it gets thicker as it goes higher. I believe the minimum of 63 GPa is what would be required for an untapered space elevator without a margin of safety. The formula for the taper required (area at geosynchronous orbit/area at sea level)is in this wikipedia article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_elevator A design with taper of 1.5 for 130 GPa (includes a safety margin of 2) was described here http://www.isr.us/Downloads/niac_pdf/chapter2.html If the strength was 30 GPa (same safety margin) then it would require a taper of 1.5 * e^4.33 or ~113, if it had a round cross section it if would have 10x the diameter at geosyncronous orbit. Theoretically it could even be built using kevlar but the taper would be 10^8, obviously not practical. |
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