Re: Are there any Space Elevator experts here?

From: stan (stan_at_stan.stan.com)
Date: 07/28/04 

Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2004 22:05:53 -0500

"George" <gh424NO824SPAM@cox.net> wrote in message
news:tiBNc.2497$zA4.368@lakeread04...
> 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?
>
> ---
> Remove NOnnnSPAM to reply via email.

Rather than a space elevator, how about a Space Smokesack? This way all the
smoke generated on earth can be put into outterspace. You could also
install tracks on the side for a side hung elevator car to go up and down.

>

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