- #1
Physt
- 49
- 1
How thick would a 4'x8' aluminum plate need to be to hold 1 atmosphere in space?
What about a 4'x8' sheet of glass?
What about a 4'x8' sheet of glass?
In summary, the thickness and weight of a 4'x8' aluminum plate would need to be significantly greater in order to hold 1 atmosphere in space compared to a 4'x8' sheet of glass. This is due to the fact that flat surfaces are not as structurally strong as curved surfaces, and thus require more material to withstand pressure. Further research, such as looking into plate theory, would be helpful in determining the exact thickness needed for a specific structure.
- #2
billy_joule
Science Advisor
- 1,200
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What have you tried so far? Googling 'plate theory' would be a good start.
- #3
berkeman
Mentor
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Physt said:
It needs to be a lot thicker and heavier when it is a flat piece of material. That's why you don't see many flat surfaces on pressurized vessels...
- #4
Physt
- 49
- 1
berkeman said:It needs to be a lot thicker and heavier when it is a flat piece of material. That's why you don't see many flat surfaces on pressurized vessels...
Yeah, that's why I'm having a tough time finding any information on the subject. I've found online calculators for cylinders, domes, elliptical arcs, pretty much anything that isn't flat - but I'm wondering if you were to build a massive structure with 4'x8' panels as a relatively small portion of it (not that they would be a complete wall, but that they would comprise maybe 3 degrees of a larger arced surface (or some other arbitarily massive structure for space).
Related to Thickness of materials in space?
1. What is the thickness of the Earth's atmosphere in space?
The Earth's atmosphere extends about 100 kilometers (62 miles) above the surface, but it gradually thins out as you go higher into space. The exact thickness of the Earth's atmosphere in space is difficult to determine, but it is estimated to be around 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles) at the outermost layer.
2. How thick is the ozone layer in space?
The ozone layer is a region in the Earth's stratosphere that contains high levels of ozone gas, which helps protect the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. The thickness of the ozone layer varies, but it is typically around 10-20 kilometers (6-12 miles) thick.
3. What is the thickness of a spacesuit?
The thickness of a spacesuit can vary depending on its purpose and the materials used. Generally, a spacesuit can range from 0.3 to 1.5 centimeters (0.1 to 0.6 inches) thick. This thickness is enough to provide insulation and protection from the extreme temperatures and vacuum of space.
4. How thick is the International Space Station's outer hull?
The International Space Station's outer hull is made up of multiple layers of materials, including aluminum, Kevlar, and other composites. The thickness of the outer hull varies from 4.5 to 20 centimeters (1.8 to 7.9 inches), with thicker sections in areas that are more prone to micro meteorite impacts.
5. What is the thickness of the Van Allen radiation belts that surround the Earth?
The Van Allen radiation belts are two doughnut-shaped regions of high-energy particles that are trapped by the Earth's magnetic field. The inner belt is typically 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) thick, while the outer belt can vary in thickness, ranging from 5,000 to 60,000 kilometers (3,100 to 37,000 miles).
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