What is the largest possible Rotating wheel space station?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the feasibility of constructing the largest possible rotating wheel space station using current materials, including considerations of population support and relevant calculations. Participants explore the implications of material strength and structural design on the maximum size and capacity of such a station.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the largest rotating wheel space station that can be built with current materials and the population it could support, suggesting that formulas for calculations would be beneficial.
  • Another participant asserts that the maximum radius of the station is approximately double the breaking length of the materials used, referencing specific strength values.
  • A participant questions the relevance of breaking length, arguing that tensile strength is the more critical factor since the centrifugal forces acting on a spinning ring would tend to cause it to tear apart rather than collapse.
  • In response, another participant emphasizes that breaking length does include tensile strength and discusses the importance of considering both live and dead loads in the design of tension spokes.
  • Further clarification is provided regarding the factor of two related to centrifugal force and how increasing the cross-section of spokes could allow for a larger radius, although geometrical limitations exist.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the factors that limit the size of a rotating wheel space station, particularly regarding the roles of tensile and compressive strength. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives on the relevant material properties.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific strength and breaking length without fully resolving the implications of these concepts on the design of rotating structures. There are also discussions about the effects of centrifugal forces and structural design considerations that remain open to interpretation.

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What is the largest possible Rotating wheel space station possible to be constructed with current materials? and what would be the population it would support. also formulas used for calculation.would be useful.
Could constructing cylindrical space elevators support more population,
 
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DrStupid said:
The maximum radius is around double the breaking length. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specific_strength for some values.
Why? From that wiki article, this measures a material's ability to hold itself up, which is compressive strength. Why would this be relevant? I would think the limiting factor would be tensile strength. When you spin a ring, the ring wants to rip itself apart, not collapse together.
 
Read the wiki again... It includes tensile strength.
What you also have is a measure of 'live load' and 'dead load'. How long and strong can you make tension spokes before they fail under their own 'weight' due centrifugal effects so can carry no rim loads...

Why this way around ? Think cart wheel vs bicycle wheel, and how much less structural material the latter needs...
 
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newjerseyrunner said:
From that wiki article, this measures a material's ability to hold itself up

"...when supported only at the top."

The factor two results from the linear increase of the centrifugal force with the radius (instead of standard gravity). As Wiki also tells you, the breaking length applies to a fixed cross-section. That means that the maximum radius (or payload) can be increased by increasing the cross section of the spokes towards the center. But this is limited for geometrical resons.
 
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