Artificial Gravity and a Rotating Space Station

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A rotating space station designed to simulate Earth-like gravity for its 100 crew members requires specific calculations for rotational speed. The angular velocity, ω, can be determined using the equation that equates centripetal acceleration to Earth's gravity, leading to the formula 500ω² = 9.81 m/s². Additionally, to create artificial gravity similar to Mars, the inner ring's diameter can be calculated by substituting the gravitational acceleration of Mars into the same equations. The orientation of the space station relative to its orbit around Earth is crucial, as it affects the artificial gravity experienced by the crew. Proper alignment ensures optimal gravitational effects for the occupants.
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whaaat919 said:
1. A rotating space station (like the one in A Space Odyssey) houses 100 crew members who will work and live in the outer ring that is 500 m in diameter while an inner ring would stimulate gravity on mars.

1. How do you find the rotational speed required for the occupants to experience artificial gravity similar to that on earth?
What are the relevant equations?

This can be modeled with the equations [/itex]x= 500 cos(\omega t)[/itex], y= 500 sin(\omega t) where \omega is the angular velocity. Differentiating to get the velocity, v_x= -500\omega sin(\omega t), v_y= 500\omega sin(\omega t). The acceleration is the derivative of that, a_x= -500 \omega^2 cos(\omega t), a_y= -500 \omega^2 sin(\omega t). The magnitude of the acceleration is \sqrt{(-500 \omega^2 cos^2(\omega t))^2+ (500 \omega^2sin^2(\omega t)}= 500\omega^2 and that must be equal to the gravity of earth, 9.81 m/s2. Set them equal and solve for \omega. To find the diameter at which to set the inner ring, go back to the original equation with that value for
\omega, a variable, r, in place of the 500, do the same calculations, set equal to the gravitational acceleration on Mars and solve for r.

2. How should the space station be oriented relative to its orbit around the earth? How will this orientation affect the artificial gravity experienced by the crew members?

Thanks!
 
whaaat919 said:
1. A rotating space station (like the one in A Space Odyssey) houses 100 crew members who will work and live in the outer ring that is 500 m in diameter while an inner ring would stimulate gravity on mars.

1. How do you find the rotational speed required for the occupants to experience artificial gravity similar to that on earth?
What are the relevant equations?

2. How should the space station be oriented relative to its orbit around the earth? How will this orientation affect the artificial gravity experienced by the crew members?

Thanks!


I would make a free body diagram of a person standing on the space station. There is only one force acting on the person. for a person to feel as if they were on Earth, that force must be equal to mg. Now use Newton's second law, so you get mg = ma.
For the acceleration, use the formula for centripetal acceleration. You will then find the speed easily
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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