In article ,
Mister Sharkey wrote:
The basic design is a 100,000 km by 1-meter by 1-micron-thick ribbon of
carbon-nanotube composite fibers...

In the reports I have read, the designs always call for a ribbon of
carbon nanotubes. Why a ribbon, and not a cylindrical cable? Would a
ribbon be stronger, or easier for the climbers to climb, or what?

The ribbon is less likely to be cut completely by a small debris hit.
Multiple cables with cross-connections would be even better, but much
more complicated.

Also, don't overlook the problem of how the climbers get traction on the
cable. A cylindrical cable with the same cross-section would be only
about a millimeter in diameter. A wide flat ribbon is much easier to climb.
--
MOST launched 30 June; first light, 29 July; 5arcsec | Henry Spencer
pointing, 10 Sept; first science, early Oct; all well. |