I was wondering is there a way to connect two rotating cicrcles

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of connecting two rotating spherical discs (toruses) in space, specifically considering the implications for space settlement scenarios like the Stanford torus. Participants explore methods to achieve this connection while minimizing friction and maintaining the rotation of the discs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests a simple slip collar mechanism for connecting the discs, which would allow for rotation while minimizing friction.
  • Another participant clarifies that the discs are adjacent and not nested, likening them to two doughnuts lying beside each other.
  • A question is raised about whether a rigid or flexible connection is desired, with a preference expressed for a rigid connection that allows simultaneous rotation.
  • A proposed solution involves using a '[' shaped connector with slip-collars and a hollow triangular beam for strength and rigidity, referencing concepts from Gerry O'Neill's L-5 proposal.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of the connection method and the configuration of the discs. While some propose specific mechanical solutions, there is no consensus on the best approach, and the discussion remains open to further exploration.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks detailed specifications regarding the mechanical properties and engineering constraints of the proposed connection methods. Additionally, assumptions about the materials and technology available for such a connection in space are not fully explored.

beedle bard
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guys, I'm new here. please forgive if I'm a bit clumsy or act like a fool.

i was wondering how do you connect two rotating cicrcles. specifically, suppose there are two huge spherical disc( torus). there is a distance of, say, 500 m between them. both are rotating at their indiviual revolutions. my question is: how do you connect them

i don't want them to stop rotating ( minimising friction, of course). i have no idea what method or technolgy would be use for this process.

specifically, i request you to consider this scenario in the light of space settlemnt( stanford torus).

kindly help me.
 
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Welcome to PF, Beedle.
Your description is a bit vague, but it would seem that a simple slip collar would suffice. The tubular axle of one wheel would fit inside (with seals and bearings) the slightly larger axle of the other wheel.
 
Danger said:
Welcome to PF, Beedle.
Your description is a bit vague, but it would seem that a simple slip collar would suffice. The tubular axle of one wheel would fit inside (with seals and bearings) the slightly larger axle of the other wheel.

Danger, thanks for the reply. but i think that you misunderstood my question.

the toruses are lying adjacent( must be connected in a series) to each other; they are not parallel or within each other.i don't want to fit them within each other.

i'm trying to upload a picture from my computer, but i don't know how.

please help.
 
Do you mean, then, that it would be like two doughnuts lying beside each other on a table?
 
Danger said:
Do you mean, then, that it would be like two doughnuts lying beside each other on a table?

exactly.

moreover, the doughnuts are colossal (say, radius 500m), the distance between them is 100m and they are stationed in space.
 
Do you want a rigid connection or flexible one?What are the desired degrees of freedom?
 
Emreth said:
Do you want a rigid connection or flexible one?What are the desired degrees of freedom?

i think it should be rigid. basically, the connection should not hinder the rotations of the disc and allow to them to rotate simultaenously; while keeping them in place.
 
The most appropriate thing that I can think of would be to use a '[' shaped connector with one of the aforementioned slip-collars on each leg to mount the wheels. If I recall Gerry O'Neill's L-5 proposal correctly ('The High Frontier'), a hollow triangular beam would be sufficient for both strength and rigidity.
 
guys thanks for your help, the situtation has been resolved. so mod can you close this thread?
 

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