Are there any Space Elevator experts here?

From: George (gh424NO824SPAM_at_cox.net)
Date: 07/27/04 

Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2004 18:11:12 -0500

Sorry if this has been discussed.

Every time I read an Arther C. Clarke novel with his Space Elevator
in it, this question comes to mind, but I've never seen it
specifically analyzed.

I'm talking about the change in orbital velocity which the object
being raised or lowered must experience. At the earth's surface on
the equator, an object at the bottom of the elevator has an
orbital velocity of about 1038 mph (3693mi * 2pi / 24hrs). But by
the time this object has been raised to geosynchronous orbit
directly above that point on the equator, it's orbital velocity must
have been increased to about 6859 mph (26200mi * 2pi /24hrs).
Something has to impart the needed "sideways" acceleration to
achieve a delta-V of about 5821mph. Otherwise, the elevator cable
or shaft will bow backward (Westward) as the payload climbs the
cable, and bow forward as it climbs back down to earth.

It may be that the bowing just happens, but isn't big enough to
matter. Of course that would depend on the size of the payload
going up or down the cable, and possibly on the speed of ascent or
descent. But I just wondered if anyone can point me to a source
where this problem has really been addressed. I assume this
problem isn't a fatal flaw in the concept, but I would like to see
where someone has run the numbers to prove that.

Arthur, are you out there? 

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