A kinetically-supported active structure would be, in general, a structure which has as its primary resistance to deformation, the force of deflection of a large high velocity mass stream circulating within the structure; feedback control mechanisms intelligently actively guiding the application of this force based on the changing loads on the structure.
Analogous examples of the components of this concept are: the rigidity of a balloon due to its internal pressure; the arch of a water fountain stream; and the position feedback of a pilot as contrasted with simple ballistic motion.
The potential length of a kinetically-supported active structure is enormous, as is its payload capacity. Such rail transportation structures would far exceed the dimensions normally limited by the strength of materials, by being supported by the electromagnetically-coupled aggregate downward deflection of high velocity mass streams circulating within them. Their payload capacity potentially is a millionfold greater than conventional reaction engine technology can provide, and at minimal environmental impact. They would be active structures, as contrasted with passive structures, in that they use feedback-stabilized energy to maintain them. Similarly, kinetically supported active structures would use position sensing in a feedback path to the ground mass stream re-accelleration point(s) modifying the internal mass stream velocity vectors so as to counteract deflections of the structure due to shifting payload weights, oscillation, wind loads, and response to impacts that might happen.
Once built and supported using ground-based electrical power, solar powered thrusters located high along the structure would provide all of the support and transportation energy used by the structure, and provide some intermediate active position feedback corrective vectors modulating the mass stream at their locations.
The basic configuration of a ground-to-GEO structure would connect at the equator and loop around the earth extending 5 radii above the farside of the equator.
Generally, kinetically supported active structures would utilize electromagnetic exchange of energy between masses in relative motion between each other, resembling an enormous distributed linear motor. They would have internal storage of an immense supply of energy composed of the kinetic energy of pairs of very large continuous mass streams circulating along its length moving at orbital velocities, also intrinsically distributing transportation energy to payloads moving along it. They consist of pairs of laterally-coupled tubes so that upward mass stream drag supports the weight of the other tube providing environment for the downward path mass stream. Can also transfer electrical energy between space solar power sites and earthsurface sites.
Emplacement techniques envisioned at this time include: guided nose-reaction-pulled coiled tube pair, followed by bootstrapping larger tube pairs; ground-mounted chemically fueled rocket engine chain launch; and ground laser ablation chain launch of the mass stream components.
The vast potentials of kinetically supported transportation structures bridging surface and space suggest an early strong research program, leading toward major civilization creation in the Clarke Belt and subsequent restoration of the earth surface ecosystem.
This concept is amplified and elaborated in KESTS: an application of general systems theory .
Copyright © 1995 James Edward David Cline
I'd appreciate any comments and suggestions to jedecline@earthlink.net, and would be happy to answer any questions.