4 ms·
So the constant upwards force is providing enough tension to keep the cable in the realm of a rigid body approximation? I would have assumed the force applied t
by ajford 5y ago
So the constant upwards force is providing enough tension to keep the cable in the realm of a rigid body approximation? I would have assumed the force applied to accelerate the payload would also deflect the tether and anchor backwards (in a miniscule amount) and would have built up over successive payloads.
Not arguing, just curious. It's been at least a decade since I've messed with orbital mechanics.
- Retric 5y agoIt does defect the anchor from pure vertical, but like a ball on a pendulum the vertical force from the anchor translates into a horizontal force. EX: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312934526/figure/download/fig1/AS:670697651183620@1536918189257/Diagrams-of-a-simple-pendulum-showing-a-the-drag-force-on-an-infinitesimal-element-of.png https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312934526/figure/do... Of course if you really dig into things it’s more complicated, but the basic principle is very similar.