Producing artificial gravity

In summary, TSBasilisk is trying to calculate artificial gravity on a space station, but is stuck on an equation from last year. He is looking for help from others, and hopes that someone can help him out.
  • #1
TSBasilisk
2
0
I'm a Junior, and I am participating in a competition. A team I am on annually joins in the ISSD competition, or International Space Settlement Design competition, which is sponsored by NASA engineers. Having participated since my Freshman year, I am currently working on the structural engineering of our proposed station.

However, I am stuck in a rut. My section deals with the production of gravity on the station. Last year, I managed to utilize an equation, which this year seems to work as effectively as a wet noodle for a weapon.

So, I was wondering if anyone can assist me in finding a viable equation for calculating artificial gravity production, or in translating my older equation, which I sadly forgot to fully detail.

Here is the closest translation of the equation from last year:
N= 1/2pi * square root of a/s

Where N=rotational speed(rotations per second/minute)
a=gravity produced(m/s/s)
s=distance from center of rotation(m)

The arrangement of the figures is what confuses me, along with units to utilize, although I'm fairly sure the posted units are correct. I can't find any source for this equation online. I remember that last year this equation gave me a lot of grief before I got it working. If there is a better equation, I'm more than willing to try it.
 
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  • #2
Originally posted by TSBasilisk
So, I was wondering if anyone can assist me in finding a viable equation for calculating artificial gravity production, or in translating my older equation, which I sadly forgot to fully detail.
Your equation is equivalent to that for centripetal acceleration for a rotating system:

[tex]a = \frac{v^2}{r}[/tex]

Where a is the acceleration, v is the speed, r is the distance from the center. You can relate speed (v) to rotational frequency (f) by: v=2π r f.

Hope this helps a bit.
 
  • #3
Thank you. I'll have to slog my way through the rest of these problems, and hope I don't come out with ridiculously large numbers.
 

What is artificial gravity?

Artificial gravity is the creation of a force that mimics the effects of gravity on objects. This is typically achieved through the use of centrifugal force, where objects are spun around a central axis to simulate the pull of gravity.

Why is artificial gravity important?

Artificial gravity is important for space exploration and long-term space travel. It can help prevent the negative health effects of prolonged exposure to microgravity on astronauts, such as muscle and bone loss.

How is artificial gravity produced?

Artificial gravity can be produced in multiple ways, including rotating spacecrafts, using a rotating space station, or creating a linear acceleration. The most common method is through centrifugal force, where objects are spun around a central axis.

What are the challenges of producing artificial gravity?

One of the main challenges of producing artificial gravity is the cost and engineering requirements. Building and maintaining a rotating spacecraft or space station can be expensive and complex. Another challenge is the potential side effects on the human body, such as motion sickness, that may occur from prolonged exposure to artificial gravity.

Can artificial gravity be created on Earth?

Yes, artificial gravity can be created on Earth using centrifuges or other rotating devices. However, the force generated is significantly weaker than Earth's natural gravity, making it difficult to fully simulate the effects of gravity on the human body.

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