Wave Propagation in the Tether Elevator/Crawler System

Abstract - This paper analyzes the propagation of disturbances along the upper-tether of the Tether Elevator/Crawler System. Both longitudinal and transverse waves are investigated as the waves propagate from the station to the elevator, and beyond to the upper-platform. The model takes into account the effects of gravity gradient and material damping. An estimate of the various damping mechanisms affecting transverse waves is also provided in the paper. The frequency response functions at the elevator and at the upper-platform are computed for either a longitudinal or a transverse perturbation of the tether attachment point to the station. Copyright © 1990 Published by Elsevier Ltd.