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Craig  
#1 Posted : Monday, May 30, 2016 1:07:49 AM(UTC)
Craig

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I have heard about this idea over the years and got to wondering if it is possible so I modelled the basic relationship between the earth and the length of the conveyor or lift.
The modelling of the problem puts things into perspective, the earth is the right diameter and the conveyor is the right length to reach space with 100 metres used for the diameter of the conveyor.

Is it possible, or is it fantasy?
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BillB  
#2 Posted : Monday, May 30, 2016 2:01:07 AM(UTC)
BillB

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You have the scale wrong. The earth's diameter at the equator is 12756 km, the geostationary orbit height is 35,786, the counter weight would have to be at about double the geostationary orbit height, so the ratio of earth diameter : length of tether is about 1:8. There is nothing known that could match the tensile strength needed for the tether, but hey, if we could breed some super spiders..... This is assuming that the resonant frequency of the tether would allow the climbers to delivery their loads without damage.
Bill Bedford

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Craig  
#3 Posted : Monday, May 30, 2016 2:48:09 AM(UTC)
Craig

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A bit too complicated for my hangover Bill, I used 12.742 million meters for the earth’s diameter and 100 000 meters above sea level to get to space.
The funny thing is when I heard the science fiction guy talk about it way back in time I thought he was nuts but I have heard it pop up recently and it sounds like they are going to give it a shot!

http://www.extremetech.c...t-by-2035-says-new-study
Craig  
#4 Posted : Monday, May 30, 2016 3:06:20 AM(UTC)
Craig

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Something went wrong when I used the real world figures, I don’t think the program can handle millions of metres, I thought it was a bit weird but things were fuzzy so!
Craig  
#5 Posted : Monday, May 30, 2016 3:18:20 AM(UTC)
Craig

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Lol, I think this is how it should be, I inserted a surface to show where space is. I get really strange behaviour when using millions of metres, cannot seem to deselect when clicking off an object.
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Craig  
#6 Posted : Monday, May 30, 2016 10:19:59 AM(UTC)
Craig

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I'm back to my original thinking that this is nuts!
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