RibbonDynamics

Ribbon Dynamics

The space elevator is a challenging dynamics problem. It reaches through a gravity well, has a very unique aspect ratio, is in an environment with wind, passing gravity wells, solar wind pressure, ascending climbers and a moving anchor. An extensive study was undertaken by David Lang to simulate the system from deployment through operation. The results of those studies are below.

Also see http://home.comcast.net/~GTOSS/GTOSS_and_Space_Elev.html

File:Dyn HB Final pdf.pdf: Large compilation of David Lang's Space Elevator dynamics work. (10.2Meg PDF) - This document will be split and referenced.

File:Paper Lang Aero.pdf: Paper on Aerodynamic Response to Atmospheric Wind (PDF)

File:Paper Lang Climber Transit.pdf: Paper on Dynamic Response to Climber Transits (PDF)

File:Paper Lang GEO Deploy.pdf: Paper on the Dynamics of GEO-Based Construction Deployment (PDF)

ATMOSPHERIC WIND RESPONSE (Deflection distances are generally magnified & time is accelerated)

Note, these winds are very high, and are not typical of the space elevator geographical location

File:Lang Movie Low.avi: AVI movie: Stop-time animation with Low altitude view and atmospheric density depiction

File:Lang Movie Full.avi: AVI movie: Stop-time animation of entire elevator length (with horizontal response scale greatly magnified)

WAVE PROPAGATION VIEWED AT RIBBON HIGH ABOVE EARTH (Deflection distances are generally magnified & time is accelerated)

Note: this wave originates at the ground in response to a planned base-movement

: QUICKTIME movie, Horizontal scale is greatly magnified

Note: the above QT movie was made using the application SpaceAnimator, created by Paul Snow

(you can contact Paul in the Seattle area at "psnow10@comcast.net", phone: 425 466-1405)