How Does Rotation in a Spinning Space Station Affect Astronauts?

AI Thread Summary
In a spinning space station designed like a large wheel, astronauts experience artificial gravity due to centripetal acceleration. To achieve an acceleration equivalent to Earth's gravity (9.8 m/s²) at the rim of a 94m diameter station, the required period of rotation must be calculated using relevant equations. Observers outside the station see astronauts maintaining a constant velocity as they rotate, while astronauts inside feel a centrifugal force acting on them, simulating gravity. The discussion highlights the need for understanding angular velocity and its relationship to linear velocity in this context. Overall, the effects of rotation on astronauts are crucial for designing effective living environments in space.
ahrog
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Homework Statement


One design for orbitting space stations has a structure that is very much like a large wheel. The astronauts live near the rim, where the spinning of the wheel provides an acceleration that mimics the effects of gravity.
a) If the station has a diameter of 94m, what period of rotation would be required for the astronauts at the rim to experience an acceleration similar to the acceleration of gravity on earth?
b) Imagine that you are sitting motionless in a spacecraft outside the space station. You are watching the space station spin. Explain the effects on the astronauts who are spinning in the space station from your frame of reference.
c) Imagine that you are now an astronaut on the space station. Explain the effects on your body from this frame of reference.

Homework Equations


Ac= v2/r
v= 2pir/t
Fc=mv2/r
Gravity on Earth = 9.8 m/s2

The Attempt at a Solution


a) Yet again my textbook and module booklet give me absolutely no help towards this problem. I know I need to find the revolutions per second or how long it takes for a revolution to occur. I don't know how to get this number though. The only way I can think of is guess and check...lol Please help!
b) I'm guessing they want something along the lines of the person outside is seeing the astronaauts maintain a velocity as they rotate around the space station. However, they give a very large answer box, and I'm not sure how I should expand on this idea...
c) I'm guessing the person is not feeling much of a difference in the space station as they would on earth, as the rotation is keeping artificial gravity. The person has a centrifugal force pinning him down to the side.
 
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ahrog said:
a) If the station has a diameter of 94m, what period of rotation would be required for the astronauts at the rim to experience an acceleration similar to the acceleration of gravity on earth?
…
Ac= v2/r
v= 2pir/t
Fc=mv2/r
Gravity on Earth = 9.8 m/s2
…
a) I know I need to find the revolutions per second or how long it takes for a revolution to occur. I don't know how to get this number though.

Hi ahrog! :smile:

(have an omega: ω :wink:)

You have all the equations there …

just use v = rω.
 

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