How much gravity could a space elevator survive?

In summary, a space elevator would have to withstand a significant amount of gravity in order to function properly. The weight of the elevator itself, as well as the cargo and passengers it carries, would put immense strain on the structure. Additionally, the effects of Earth's gravity would need to be countered in order for the elevator to reach and maintain a stable orbit. The exact amount of gravity that a space elevator could survive varies, but it would likely need to be significantly stronger than any current building or structure on Earth. Extensive research and development would be necessary to create a space elevator that could withstand the immense forces of gravity.
  • #1
willbell
20
6
No matter how strong and how light the materials are, it seems that a space elevator is an insurmountable engineering challenge on Earth under 1G of gravity. However that is because the gravity on Earth is too much for a space elevator to survive, given a somewhat modest estimation of technological advancement and no massive paradigm-shifting advances in the materials that would be used in a space elevator (so probably something like Carbon Nanotubes), could a space elevator exist with Martian gravity? Lunar? How much gravity could a space elevator survive with?
 
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  • #2
Almost anything, if enough goes into building it. That's like asking how high a skyscraper can be built.
 
  • #3
Danger said:
Almost anything, if enough goes into building it. That's like asking how high a skyscraper can be built.
It was my impression that at least under our current understanding of engineering, a space elevator would be impossible with Earth gravity?
 
  • #4
You're the first person that I've ever seen express that.
As far as I know, designs have been in the works for years.
 
  • #5
Well for starters, a quick google search brings up this which says more-or-less what I'm talking about.
 
  • #6
If you can handle a variable width over the length of the space elevator, even current materials would allow a space elevator on Earth - but it would be very thin at the surface and extremely thick higher up, which makes its mass unreasonably high and gives some other additional problems.
For a fixed width, there is no material that could be used for a space elevator on Earth right now.

Other bodies are much easier - it is expected that a lunar space elevator could be built with materials available today, with a single rocket launch from Earth to deploy the cable. It would have to be longer (more than 60 000 km), but the forces are significantly smaller.

Mars is also significantly easier (just a bit more challenging than the moon), but you would have to carry the cable to Mars first.
 
  • #7
mfb said:
If you can handle a variable width over the length of the space elevator, even current materials would allow a space elevator on Earth - but it would be very thin at the surface and extremely thick higher up, which makes its mass unreasonably high and gives some other additional problems.
For a fixed width, there is no material that could be used for a space elevator on Earth right now.

Other bodies are much easier - it is expected that a lunar space elevator could be built with materials available today, with a single rocket launch from Earth to deploy the cable. It would have to be longer (more than 60 000 km), but the forces are significantly smaller.

Mars is also significantly easier (just a bit more challenging than the moon), but you would have to carry the cable to Mars first.
Interesting, that's very helpful. :)
 
  • #8
All I know about space elevators I learned from Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars trilogy. He describes it with intricate detail. Everything from how to build one, the materials to use, length, recommended location, etc.

I think building one on Mars is feasible. But it would require an enormous amount of carbon nano-tube material. The material is mined from a captured asteroid that is placed in a geosynchronous orbit around mars. Then the cable would be built and lowered gradually until it touches down on Mars' surface. According to this http://kimstanleyrobinson.info/w/index.php5?title=Space_elevator "the cable was 35,000 km long and 10 meters thick, weighing 6 billion tons".
 
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Related to How much gravity could a space elevator survive?

1. What is a space elevator?

A space elevator is a proposed structure that would allow for transportation between Earth and space without the use of rockets. It would consist of a cable anchored to the Earth's surface and extending into geostationary orbit, with a counterweight at the other end to maintain tension.

2. How much gravity could a space elevator survive?

The amount of gravity a space elevator could survive depends on the strength and materials used in its construction. Generally, a space elevator could withstand up to 1G (Earth's gravity) at the base and gradually decrease in strength as it extends into space.

3. What materials would be used to build a space elevator?

The materials used to build a space elevator would need to be incredibly strong and lightweight. Currently, carbon nanotubes are the most promising material due to their high strength-to-weight ratio. However, more research and development is needed to create a material that can withstand the stresses of a space elevator.

4. What would be the benefits of a space elevator?

A space elevator would greatly reduce the cost of space travel, as it would eliminate the need for rockets and fuel. It could also make it easier to transport materials and equipment into space, allowing for more efficient and cost-effective space missions. Additionally, a space elevator could make it possible for people to live and work in space long-term.

5. What are the main challenges in building a space elevator?

The main challenges in building a space elevator include developing a material strong enough to withstand the stresses, finding a suitable location for the base of the elevator, and addressing safety concerns such as potential collisions with satellites or space debris. There are also financial and political challenges in funding and coordinating the construction of such a massive and complex structure.

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