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Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: chintan on 04/12/2015 18:08:21

Title: What would happen if I connected a pipe from the atmosphere into space?
Post by: chintan on 04/12/2015 18:08:21

What would be the possible outcomes if a connecting pipe is kept on the boundary of atmosphere and space with one end in atmospheric layer and the other in the space.. [:o]

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Title: Re: Just curious :-|
Post by: evan_au on 04/12/2015 20:59:14

After initial air pressure equalization at both ends of the pipe, not very much.

• The end of the pipe that is in space will have a very low air pressure, matching the vacuum around it.
  
• The end of the pipe that is in the atmosphere will have a higher air pressure, matching the atmosphere around it.
  
• And gravity will ensure that there is a smooth gradation in air pressure between one end of the pipe and the other.

There will be no continual rush of air from the atmosphere up the pipe, and out into space, that you could use to power a generator. This would be a form of perpetual motion machine, which the Patent Office automatically rejects unless they are accompanied by a working model.

By the way, I can think of a number of very useful applications for a mechanism that is able to suspend a pipe at the outer edges of our atmosphere!

Title: Re: What would happen if I connected a pipe from the atmosphere into space?
Post by: chintan on 04/12/2015 21:10:29

There are no such mechanisms yet I guess but I'll inform you as soon as I know of one which will.! [:P]  [;D]

Title: Re: What would happen if I connected a pipe from the atmosphere into space?
Post by: lightarrow on 05/12/2015 13:26:37

Quote from: chintan on 04/12/2015 18:08:21

What would be the possible outcomes if a connecting pipe is kept on the boundary of atmosphere and space with one end in atmospheric layer and the other in the space..

A lot of flying collisions with the pipe  [:)]

--
lightarrow

Title: Re: What would happen if I connected a pipe from the atmosphere into space?
Post by: guest39538 on 05/12/2015 13:41:02

Quote from: chintan on 04/12/2015 18:08:21

What would be the possible outcomes if a connecting pipe is kept on the boundary of atmosphere and space with one end in atmospheric layer and the other in the space.. [:o]

Please present all topic titles as a question, as per site guidelines - Moderator.

The atmosphere will gather at the bottom of the pipe lessening in density the further up the pipe you measure. The top of the pipe that is in space, will probably ''melt'' or something similar.

Title: Re: What would happen if I connected a pipe from the atmosphere into space?
Post by: alancalverd on 05/12/2015 23:34:45

Absolutely nothing will happen. The atmosphere already extends from the ground to the edge of space, by defintion of "edge of space".