Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Pumblechook on 09/12/2007 18:10:08

Title: How tall could you build a tower on the moon?
Post by: Pumblechook on 09/12/2007 18:10:08

Low gravity and no wind. 

Title: How tall could you build a tower on the moon?
Post by: Soul Surfer on 09/12/2007 18:27:38

Very tall!  but there are lateral forces associated with the differential gravitiational field of the earth.  These are relatively constant so only the libration effects add to the stress as long as the tower follows a "line of force" The relatively low rotation velocity does not make the construction of a space ladder particularly attractive.  the best place to build it would probably be in the middle of the backside of the moon!  on second thoughts  building it on the front side you might be able to get up to the earth moon first legrangian and lob things off from there!

Title: How tall could you build a tower on the moon?
Post by: Dick1038 on 09/12/2007 18:36:35

It depends on a number of factors to name a few:

1. The firmness is the underlying soil. It's very dry there so a lot of water would be required to compact it.

2. The type of construction.  Using standard high-rise steel-frame construction, it could probably rise to 6-times that of the highest building on earth, namely, 2000'*6 = 12,000'. This assumes there are no significant "moon quakes".

Anyway, this question belongs on the Technology Forum where a structural engineer might read it.

Title: How tall could you build a tower on the moon?
Post by: Bored chemist on 09/12/2007 20:22:21

The tallest buildings on earth are not as big as they could be; all I need to do to prove this is copy Mt Everest.
I believe that, provided you are alowed to have buildings that get thinner as they go up there isn't a limit to the height apart from wind. With no wind on the moon you could make it really quite tall.

Title: How tall could you build a tower on the moon?
Post by: lyner on 09/12/2007 21:45:33

The 'tidal effect' from the Earth would, at least, be pretty minimal as she's always facing more or less towards the Earth