Proof of concept prototype of an active 3D beam

[explosu]

Maybe you could use something like this to control the motion of the cable of a space elevator? I'd think it would be a much saner solution than the current proposal of placing thrusters along its length, which would be pretty bulky. What kind of efficiency is displayed? How much power are you putting into it compared to the mass and forces involved?

I know enough physics to irritate engineers with these kinds of questions, but not enough to actually contribute, haha. Sorry for my pipe dreams.

[joaoreisist]

@explosu The physics of the actuators used in this problem require the beam to have some rigidity to work with in the first place. As it can be seen in the film the "beam" is very thin... but it stands straight on its own. I don't know much about the space elevator concept, but I believe it is something more close to a cable under tension due to centripetal force... if that is the case this actuation concept won't do :-(

[explosu]

@joaoreisist As I understand it, a space elevator would be force-neutral, with its center of mass at geostationary orbit and a counterweight a short distance afterwards. I do wonder if that might make a difference - past a certain point, tension on the cable upwards would actually be as catastrophic as increased gravity on Earth. The cable can only take so much force before breaking. That's part of the problem with vibrations in the cable itself.

Thank you for the friendly response :)