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This is a site presenting a sample design for Allen Meece's Virtual Beanstalk Project. For now, it's a collection of various correspondence on the subject, roughly organized. Some technical discussions are also included.

 

In the meantime, please feel free to check out these additions to the VBP's FAQ for my sample design.

 

Or just sit and read while I scratch out test files.

 

I. About the VPB

 

General Rationale for the Virtual Beanstalk

 

A. More VBP FAQ (CME's Prototype Idea)

 

B. Modeling the Virtual Beanstalk

 

Some Equations for Modelling the Virtual Beanstalk

Estimating Rope Strength

System Reliabilities

Safety Margins

Loads in a Truss

Simulation Program for Free Balloon written in QBasic

 

C. Future Plans

 

The Aerie Ferries and The Beanstalk Forest

A VBP-Launched Manned Rocket

Some Good Technical Projects for Volunteers

 

D. Links of Interest

 

II. The Upper Atmosphere and Operating Conditions

 

Altitude Range of VBP

Island Beanstalks

Upper Level Temperature Distribution

 

III. The Tether

 

Shape of VBP Tether

Tether Tension and platform drag

 

IV. The Platform

 

A. The Lift Cells

 

Derigibles

Tether Tension and Lift Cell Structure

Lift Cells Deployed from Reels

Flammability of Hydrogen

Balloon Pressure and Tether Tension

Bouyancy and Platform Size

Conical Lift Cells

Superpressure Cell Venting and Taut Shrouds

 

B. The Crew Cabin

 

A Double Hulled Crew Cabin

The Virtues of A Small Airlock

Crew Cabin Installation

Cabin Thermal Control

Crew Cabin Mass Estimate

Crew Cabin Water System

An Opinion on Solar Power for Life Support

Solid Oxidizer Oxygen Reserves

 

C. The Keel

 

Shape of VBP Keel

Stabilizing the Platform

 

D. The Launch Rail

 

Underslung Launch Rail

A Trolley for the Keel

High Altitude Launches

 

E. Construction and Maintenance

 

Composite Construction

Changing Out Lift Cells

Lift Cell Inflation

Systems Testing

 

V. The Elevator

 

A. Elevator Operations

 

How Increased Tension Aids the Elevator

 

B.Types of Elevator

 

1. Balloon Elevator

 

Balloon Elevator Keel

Balloon Elevator Sketch

Center Truss/Tether Guide Sketch for Balloon Elevator

 

2. Bucket Elevator

 

3. Lifting-body Hybrid Elevators

 

VI. The Ground Station

 

A. The Winch

 

B. The Launch Point

 

C. The Recovery System

 

 

You should also feel free to check out the new forum.

 

 

 

Have a nice day.