Cutting force (large astronomical body)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the theoretical energy required to cut a large astronomical body, specifically one the size of the Moon, in half. It concludes that using a blade, even one made from the hardest known material, would not suffice due to gravitational forces that would pull the hemispheres back together. Instead, a giant wedge would be necessary to separate the hemispheres, resulting in significant crushing rather than clean cutting. The inquiry reflects a curiosity about the physical limitations of such an endeavor.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational forces and their effects on large bodies.
  • Familiarity with material science, particularly properties of hard materials.
  • Knowledge of basic physics principles, including energy and force calculations.
  • Concepts of mechanical engineering related to cutting and crushing forces.
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  • Research gravitational force calculations for large celestial bodies.
  • Explore material science regarding the hardest known materials and their applications.
  • Study mechanical engineering principles related to cutting and crushing techniques.
  • Investigate the physics of impact forces and energy transfer in large-scale applications.
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This discussion is beneficial for physicists, engineers, and anyone interested in the mechanics of large astronomical bodies and the theoretical implications of cutting through them.

nicholas0211510
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I know this is a weird topic but the thought has pestered me lately. How much energy would it take to cut a large astronomical body in half (assuming its a uniform sphere). Let's say a object the size of the moon with the same overall density of the moon.

Say the blade used to cut it is as hard as the strongest matiral known and its 1 mm thick moving at speeds needed to cut through it faster than the gravity can pull the other hemisphere back together (I don't know the exact speed needed) and what formula would associate with calculating this.

Sorry if isn't specific enough I my self am not sure how to explain my question any further, thank you in advanced :)
 
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You can't cut it fast enough that the hemispheres won't pull back together. You'd have to use a giant wedge that forced the hemispheres apart and that would cause as much crushing as cutting. Basically I don't think it can be done. Why do you need to know? What's the really issue?
 
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I really have no true reason, it just has been a burning question for some reason, and thank you for clarifying this :)
 

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