Why? From that wiki article, this measures a material's ability to hold itself up, which is compressive strength. Why would this be relevant? I would think the limiting factor would be tensile strength. When you spin a ring, the ring wants to rip itself apart, not collapse together.DrStupid said:The maximum radius is around double the breaking length. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specific_strength for some values.
newjerseyrunner said:From that wiki article, this measures a material's ability to hold itself up
A rotating wheel space station is designed for long-term human habitation in outer space. It provides artificial gravity by spinning at a constant rate, allowing occupants to experience a similar force to that of Earth's gravity. This can help prevent the negative effects of prolonged weightlessness, such as muscle and bone loss.
The size of a rotating wheel space station can vary depending on the design and technology used. Currently, the largest rotating wheel space station is the International Space Station (ISS), which has a diameter of 108.5 meters. However, hypothetical designs have proposed larger stations with diameters up to 1,000 meters.
A rotating wheel space station requires materials that are strong, lightweight, and able to withstand the harsh conditions of space. The primary material used is typically aluminum, as it is lightweight and has high strength-to-weight ratio. Other materials such as titanium, carbon fiber, and stainless steel may also be used for specific components.
A rotating wheel space station requires a continuous source of energy to maintain its rotation and provide electricity for the various systems and equipment onboard. This can be achieved through solar panels, nuclear power, or a combination of both. The ISS, for example, primarily uses solar panels to generate electricity.
Building and operating a rotating wheel space station presents numerous challenges, including the high cost of construction and maintenance, the need for advanced technology and expertise, and the potential risks to human health in the harsh environment of space. There are also logistical challenges such as transporting materials and supplies to and from the station. However, as technology advances and more research is conducted, these challenges can be overcome, making a rotating wheel space station an achievable goal for future space exploration.