What's a good gravity substitute?

[Noisy Rhysling]

The "constant acceleration" (CS) vs. "spin the wheel" (SW) options have advantages and disadvantages. As I understand it the "wheel" for a spin gravity-substitute would have to be about a kilometer across? But would use less fuel. The CS doesn't need a big wheel but you'd need a Bussard ramjet to provide fuel?

So, anything better? I'd like to limit the serious suggestions to things that can actually be done within the laws of physics. The non-serious suggestions should at least be funny.

 

[phinds]

As I understand it the "wheel" for a spin gravity-substitute would have to be about a kilometer across?

That sounds unnecessarily large to me. Where did you hear that? I think that must have included some other constraints.

 

[Noisy Rhysling]

That sounds unnecessarily large to me. Where did you hear that? I think that must have included some other constraints.

Just heard it in passing, no provenance. I come here to double check what I hear elsewhere.

 

[phinds]

Just heard it in passing, no provenance. I come here to double check what I hear elsewhere.

Kind of hard to "double check" something that is unsourced. As I said, that likely included constraints that you have not mentioned. That's one reason that sources are important when you ask for an opinion on a statement.

 

[Noisy Rhysling]

Kind of hard to "double check" something that is unsourced. As I said, that likely included constraints that you have not mentioned. That's one reason that sources are important when you ask for an opinion on a statement.

Yeah, tossed it out to see if there was blood in the water. ;)

 

[Bystander]

likely included constraints that you have not mentioned.

Coriolis effects less than some "acceptable" maximum?

 

[Bandersnatch]

As I understand it the "wheel" for a spin gravity-substitute would have to be about a kilometer across?

Depends on how fast it's spinning. A 20m diameter wheel would have to spin once every 6 seconds to maintain 1 g. That ain't so bad, is it?

 

[phinds]

Depends on how fast it's spinning. A 20m diameter wheel would have to spin once every 6 seconds to maintain 1 g. That ain't so bad, is it?

I get dizzy just thinking about it

 

[Noisy Rhysling]

Depends on how fast it's spinning. A 20m diameter wheel would have to spin once every 6 seconds to maintain 1 g. That ain't so bad, is it?

But with a small wheel would there be issues of vertigo?

 

[Bystander]

issues of vertigo?

Depends ... if you're used to things moving "freely" on highly curved trajectories, "No;" if not, "Yes."

 

[Noisy Rhysling]

Depends ... if you're used to things moving "freely" on highly curved trajectories, "No;" if not, "Yes."

Would there be any serious problem acclimating to that sort of thing? Is it something some people can do and others can't despite their best efforts, or is it like learning to like broccoli?

 

[Bystander]

I get seasick watching a washing machine, so I'd say it's "despite their best efforts."

 

[GTOM]

Spinning is IMHO the best, the living quarters can be sent far away from the ships torso with telescopic arms.
I don't think 1km radius is needed, far less is enough, especially if people aboard are accustomed to it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_gravity

 

[Noisy Rhysling]

I get seasick watching a washing machine, so I'd say it's "despite their best efforts."

:console:

I'm a retired CPO, and the first time I went out I got sick. Wore off after what seemed like a century.