Can a Torus be Gravitationally Bound?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of gravitational binding energy of a torus and whether it can be considered gravitationally bound without the presence of an opposing force. The participants also question if a toroidal planet can be gravitationally bound with the help of artificial construction. It is concluded that while a torus shape can be maintained in space through artificial construction, there is no natural force that can support such a structure for planet-sized objects.
  • #1
Tom MS
27
4
Now I asked a question the other day about the gravitational binding energy of a torus, and someone responded that it cannot be gravitationally bound purely, but requires some opposing force.
Okay, fine. But, qualitatively, can a toroidal planet be gravitationally bound if it has another force holding its structure together from clumping into a ball? What do you think?
 
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  • #2
Would you call it "gravitationally bound" then? You can shoot a doughnut to space, then you have a stable torus shape in space.
For planet-sized objects, apart from artifical construction there is nothing that could support such a structure.
 
  • #3
mfb said:
Would you call it "gravitationally bound" then? You can shoot a doughnut to space, then you have a stable torus shape in space.
For planet-sized objects, apart from artifical construction there is nothing that could support such a structure.
Right, so with artificial construction holding it together, could it still be considered gravitationally bound?
 
  • #4
Tom MS said:
with artificial construction holding it together
Tom MS said:
considered gravitationally bound
Those two statements do not seem consistent... :wink:
 

1. Can a torus be gravitationally bound in a vacuum?

Yes, a torus can be gravitationally bound in a vacuum as long as there is enough mass and energy present to create a gravitational force that keeps the particles within the torus from escaping.

2. How is a torus different from a sphere in terms of gravitational binding?

A torus differs from a sphere in terms of gravitational binding because its shape allows for particles to orbit in a circular path around the central axis, whereas a sphere has a more symmetrical gravitational field that pulls particles towards its center.

3. What is the significance of a torus being gravitationally bound?

The significance of a torus being gravitationally bound is that it can lead to the formation of stable structures, such as galactic rings or planetary rings, which play important roles in the evolution and dynamics of celestial bodies.

4. Can a torus be gravitationally bound with multiple sources of gravity?

Yes, a torus can be gravitationally bound with multiple sources of gravity, as long as the gravitational forces from each source are balanced and result in a stable orbit for the particles within the torus.

5. How does the size of a torus affect its gravitational binding?

The size of a torus can affect its gravitational binding in that a larger torus may require more mass and energy to maintain a stable orbit for its particles, while a smaller torus may be able to maintain a stable orbit with less mass and energy. Additionally, the shape of the torus can also affect its gravitational binding, as a more flattened torus may have a weaker gravitational pull compared to a more spherical torus.

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