String things, physics, and more wacky space elevator variations
I was flipping through the Edmund Scientific Catalog recently when I saw this:
http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp?pn=3026800&bhcd2=1188616016
And I wonder how it works. More specifically, what physics equations govern the equilibrium shape of a loop of string accelerated through a single set of fixed rollers?
In zero gravity with no air resistance, I would guess that the string would form a circular or near-circular loop due to centrifugal force once it reached a steady velocity.
Going a little further out on the same limb, I'd speculate that you'd also get a near-circular loop as long as centrifugal forces are large compared to gravity and air resistance.
What happens if you set up, say, a 50km vertical loop? Could such a structure hold itself upright under the force of Earth's gravity, given sufficiently high string velocity (and thus centrifugal force?)
Do you get gyroscopic stabilization, or does the whole thing tend to fall over sideways?
What happens if you try to hook a box of cargo onto the string and ride it upward?
Here's a site that tackles a somewhat similar idea:
http://www.launchloop.com/
http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp?pn=3026800&bhcd2=1188616016
And I wonder how it works. More specifically, what physics equations govern the equilibrium shape of a loop of string accelerated through a single set of fixed rollers?
In zero gravity with no air resistance, I would guess that the string would form a circular or near-circular loop due to centrifugal force once it reached a steady velocity.
Going a little further out on the same limb, I'd speculate that you'd also get a near-circular loop as long as centrifugal forces are large compared to gravity and air resistance.
What happens if you set up, say, a 50km vertical loop? Could such a structure hold itself upright under the force of Earth's gravity, given sufficiently high string velocity (and thus centrifugal force?)
Do you get gyroscopic stabilization, or does the whole thing tend to fall over sideways?
What happens if you try to hook a box of cargo onto the string and ride it upward?
Here's a site that tackles a somewhat similar idea:
http://www.launchloop.com/