Question

In: Physics

Spacecraft propulsion systems based on ‘solar sails’ are being explored. These systems use radiation pressure on...

Spacecraft propulsion systems based on ‘solar sails’ are being explored. These systems use radiation pressure on sails made of thin reflecting foils (mirrors) for propulsion, similar to the way wind propels a sailboat. (a) What sail area, A is required for the radiation pressure provided by a star of mass Ms at a distance R to just balance the gravitational attraction of the star? Take the mass of the ship and its sail to be m, and the intensity of the starlight at R to be I. (b) If R is the mean Earth-Sun distance with the sunlight intensity at the earth taken to be 1.4 kW/m2 , what size sail would be required to just balance the gravitational attraction of the Sun with m = 1500 kg?

Solutions

Expert Solution


Related Solutions

Theory a) How can you move a spacecraft just with solar radiation? b) Explain how nanoparticle...
Theory a) How can you move a spacecraft just with solar radiation? b) Explain how nanoparticle sunscreens can be transparent to the human eye, but still protect the skin. c) What are the two main ways that nanoparticle sunscreens containing TiO2 or ZnO can protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation? [Note: the UV wavelengths of most concern are labelled UV-A (400-315nm) and UV-B (315-280nm)]. d) What is the largest size of TiO2 nanoparticle that could be used to make a...
A water-based slurry of mineral is being filtered under vacuum, with a controlled pressure drop of...
A water-based slurry of mineral is being filtered under vacuum, with a controlled pressure drop of 50 kPa, through a filter paper of 0.09 m2 . The slurry is at 25 kg solids per m3 fluid. Use µ = 9.0 × 10−4 Pa.s and the following data: V [L]                           t [s]                  0.5                              19 1                                  41 2                                  95 3                                  178 4                                  280 Calculate the medium resistance, Rm; specific cake resistance,...
4. Two conveyor systems are being studied for use in a manufacturing operation. System X has...
4. Two conveyor systems are being studied for use in a manufacturing operation. System X has a first cost of $80,000, annual costs estimated at $25,000, and a service life of 3 years. System Y has a first cost of$135,000, annual costs that begin at $20,000 in the first year and increase by $5000 each year thereafter, a service life of 6 years, and an estimated salvage value of $40,000. Using an i of8%, determine which alternative should be chosen....
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT