Maximum mechanical actuator strength allowed by physics

In summary, the strongest actuator that an infinitely advanced civilization could create would be very advanced optical tweezers, which can theoretically be stronger than mechanical actuators. They would use a material with individual molecules kept at the "waist" of beams of different wavelengths to move the actuator at larger accelerations and press it harder. The limit of strength for a human-sized mechanical actuator is roughly 10 GN (1 million force-tons) and for optical positioning, it can theoretically be increased by a factor of 3. However, the maximum physical limit for a human-sized actuator is not determined by current technological limits but by the laws of physics.
  • #1
jhami
12
1
What is the strongest actuator (that can exert a controlled amount of force & be able to start/stop linearly or rotationally) that an infinitely advanced civilization could create, and how (what object/process) would they do it? It must be non-lethal or be shielded to be non-lethal at a distance of a few cm and the size and mass must be macroscopic.
 
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  • #2
jhami said:
What is the strongest actuator (that can exert a controlled amount of force & be able to start/stop linearly or rotationally) that an infinitely advanced civilization could create, and how (what object/process) would they do it? It must be non-lethal or be shielded to be non-lethal at a distance of a few cm and the size and mass must be macroscopic.
Very advanced optical tweezers can theoretically be stronger than mechanical actuators. You can theoretically tailor a material with individual molecules kept at "waist" of beams of different wavelength. This way you can move actuator at larger accelerations and press it harder than its mechanical strength allows, because force is applied to entire volume of actuator instead of just one end.
 
  • #3
Well what is the limit of the strength of just a actuator (with human sized mass/size)
 
  • #4
Mechanical actuator of human size can put roughly ~10 GN (1 million force-tons). Think of diamond anvils.
It would be rather slow though: positioning will require at ~100 microseconds to prevent shattering. Optical positioning can theoretically bypass speed limitations by arbitrary factor, although force limits is increased by no more than factor of 3.
 
  • #5
Yes but that is with current technological limits. What is the maximum physical limit (e.g. only limited by the laws of physics) that a actuator that is human sized can have?
 
  • #6
jhami said:
Yes but that is with current technological limits. What is the maximum physical limit (e.g. only limited by the laws of physics) that a actuator that is human sized can have?

So, of course, you can provide those "laws of physics." Right?
 
  • #7
What?
 

1. What is the maximum mechanical actuator strength allowed by physics?

The maximum mechanical actuator strength allowed by physics is determined by the fundamental physical laws and principles governing the behavior of materials and forces. It is the highest amount of force that can be applied to an actuator without causing it to fail or exceed its structural limits.

2. How is the maximum mechanical actuator strength calculated?

The maximum mechanical actuator strength is calculated using various equations and models based on the material properties, dimensions, and design of the actuator. This calculation takes into account factors such as stress, strain, and load capacity to determine the maximum force that the actuator can withstand.

3. Can the maximum mechanical actuator strength be exceeded?

No, the maximum mechanical actuator strength is a physical limit that cannot be exceeded without causing damage or failure to the actuator. Attempting to apply a force greater than the maximum strength can result in permanent deformation, breakage, or other forms of failure.

4. How does the maximum mechanical actuator strength affect the performance of a machine?

The maximum mechanical actuator strength plays a crucial role in the overall performance and reliability of a machine. If the actuator is not strong enough to handle the required forces, it may fail and cause the machine to malfunction. Therefore, it is essential to consider the maximum strength when designing and operating machines.

5. Can the maximum mechanical actuator strength be increased?

Yes, the maximum mechanical actuator strength can be increased by using stronger and more durable materials, optimizing the actuator's design, and implementing proper maintenance and care. However, it is limited by the laws of physics and cannot be increased infinitely.

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