Well, we have determined that the weight is zero when in equilibrium, but unfortunately the restoring force is only valid for a sphere and not a ring. As many others commented there is a famous demonstration of this for RingWorld.
Any other definition of WEIGHT for the structure ?
If not then the Weight is ZERO.
Of course locally there are gravitational interactions, this is why the ring should be strong enough not to be crushed by these forces. But this is merely a term of feasibility.
Ok I agree the Span is in compression
The point here is not to have the same weight in different gravitational fields, this is obvious that any gravitational field has it's own gradient.
The key question here is :
"Has the Ring so designed a Weight equal to ZERO or not ?"
we know that :
- The...
If the ring was a sphere then If the sun was at the center of the sphere it would have equal amounts of mass distributed at the same distance from it in all directions, this all cancels to a net force of zero. While if the sun was off center then the side it is closest to would have a stronger...
After some investigation I agree with the fact that the system is unstable. If it was a sphere then the balance would have restored always, but being a ring it is not true.
Now the problems is still the weight in the "equilibrium" state. So imagining we tether the ring with cables to avoid it...
The max theoretical velocity you can obtain is very close to c, the closer you get to c the larger force you will need to obtain your acceleration. Let's say that you want to maintain constant your acceleration to x m/s^2 then the real problem is that (not taking in account any feasibility of...
I do not agree on your example of the two identical twin. We are not connected together.
While the mass of the structure is certainly huge, the weight on Earth is defined by the combined effect of the gravity on the total body, or in other words the force you need to apply to the body in order...
Actually what you say happens in reality, but only to limited part of the human skin.
Skin is covered with keratin and lipidic compounds that make it impermeable. This layer of skin is the outer one. Some parts of your body, though, due to constant friction and stress lack part of this...
Do you know where i can find the involved proof ?
I've heard about Ringworld before. The question is, the two center of gravity of the Ring and the Earth in the starting configuration are exactly at the same place, aren't they forming a system with a minimum potential energy ?
if not why ?
Thanks
I was trying this mental exercise and I need help and confirmations... so please launch your comments
Imagine (as an assumption) that the surface of the Earth is completely flat with no disturbances. A perfect sphere.
Imagine that is possible to build a solid ring made of a completely...