Space Elevator Cable Dynamics
- Paper number
IAC-06-D4.2.06
- Author
Mr. Haym Benaroya, Rutgers University, United States
- Coauthor
Prof. Seon Mi Han, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Mark Nagurka, United States
- Year
2006
- Abstract
The space elevator is a phenomenal structure, composed of carbon nanotube (CNT) bundles, that is to be designed for a broad spectrum of environments. It must withstand the atmospheric forces for its first several hundred miles. There is the Earth's magnetic field on the CNT, which can carry a current. Designers have to worry about micrometeorite impacts, and other possible collisions. This paper will study the free vibration dynamics as well as models of possible loads. Discussed will be the formulation of the equations of motion. Important here is the statement of possible and relevant assumptions for the simplification of these equations. The free vibration characteristics depend only on the cable system itself, not on the forcing. As such, its stability is part of the free vibration characterization. Once the free vibration and dynamics are understood, loading models can be considered individually and in a coupled form. This paper will be an introduction to a rigorous formulation of this important problem.
- Abstract document