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Hyperloop

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Re: Hyperloop

#141
post #55

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The pumped air is also used to create an air cushion around the pod to keep it suspended at high speeds. Also, solar panels line the top of the tube so that it is self powering.

If this is going to be running above ground, how do they purpose to find space to even build this? http://mappery.com/maps/Los-Angeles-California-Transportatio... My only guess would be to build it vertically. . which is were everything is going anyways, right?

Pylons above the existing I-5 freeway.

Re: Hyperloop

#142
post #132

That capsule ( http://images.bwbx.io/cms/2013-08-12/0812_Hyperloop_605.jpg ) looks like a claustrophobic's nightmare. Otherwise very, very cool.

Doesn't look any more cramped than the back seat of a car.

...which is pretty cramped.

Re: Hyperloop

#143
post #99

I'm impressed, but I'm afraid Hyperloop's operation is modeled after airplanes, while the actual use of the system would be closer to a city bus. >All capsules would have direct radio contact with station operators in case of emergencies, allowing passengers to report any incident, to request help and to receive assistance. In addition, all capsules would be fitted with first aid equipment >Typical times between an e…

What happens if a brawl erupts inside a moving bus or taxi?

What happens if a suicide bomber boards a train or bus?

What happens if a suicide bomber rents a car and crashes it into you as you walk along the sidewalk?

Rather than living in perpetual fear, you could try making the world a place where people who can't get food or work aren't trying to blow you up as a last resort?

Americans seem to be the most worried about suicide bombings out of anybody else, yet America has probably seen the least suicide bombings per capita of any country in the world. (yes, exaggeration)

Re: Hyperloop

#144
I love this concept!

My main concern is the air-bearing suspension system. Barring very high flow rates, the fly-height of an air-bearing system is very small. Some systems[1] fly at 5 microns, for instance. That being the case, any sort of particulate or imperfections in the tube will cause the air-bearing to 'land' with a large amount of friction. Perhaps this is alright if you're already going 700mph, but it would reduce the overall coasting efficiency of the system.

The engineer in me sees this as the most important design consideration of the project.

As an aside, I would like to see trade studies done on filling the tube with other gasses whose speed of sound is much higher than air's, allowing the capsules to travel even faster before shocks begin to form.

[1] http://www.newwayairbearings.com/products/flat-rectangular-a...

Re: Hyperloop

#145
post #70

Earlier quoted context omitted.

what happens when you develop unexpected gastric issues mid-30 minute journey?

Well the pod has compressor - so it literally can hit the fan :) The only thing I really dislike so far is the battery pack in the pod. I would have wanted to see something more elegant instead. And this way we halve the weight of the pod.

For the lack of space between the tube and the carrier, is wireless electrical transfer out of the question? Or is that not feasible with the amount of electricity being dealt with here?

Re: Hyperloop

#146
As someone who gets claustrophobic on planes - I have to fight the panic every time I fly, the dread that fills me at the thought of a service/system malfunction, while halfway between LA and SF, what happens then?

I'm reminded of this water slide at the Gold Coast's Wet and Wild - you end up going upside down - but in order to attain the velocity required to make the loop, you need to be dropped from a particular height, only some people don't make it - so they have a single access point into the tube where people who haven't made it, can get out, but I'm sure it wouldn't be a fun experience, so I opted for not going on that slide, even though my kids were pleading with me to do it. No thanks.

The hyperloop looks amazing, but my heart rate went up reading that document, and it wasn't out of excitement

Re: Hyperloop

#147
post #54

So who wants to start a company? I'll uh...come up with the business plan. Seriously though, this would be an incredible project to work on. I wonder, outside of Elon Musk, who would take on the challenge?

Might Tony Hsieh champion a group pushing for LA to Vegas? I imagine SF-Vegas might have a roundabout route.

Re: Hyperloop

#149
post #70

That capsule ( http://images.bwbx.io/cms/2013-08-12/0812_Hyperloop_605.jpg ) looks like a claustrophobic's nightmare. Otherwise very, very cool.

what happens when you develop unexpected gastric issues mid-30 minute journey?

Same thing that happens if you develop unexpected gastric issues during a 30 minute plane flight, I'd imagine, since you'd spend the whole time strapped in for take-off and then landing.

Re: Hyperloop

#150
post #70

That capsule ( http://images.bwbx.io/cms/2013-08-12/0812_Hyperloop_605.jpg ) looks like a claustrophobic's nightmare. Otherwise very, very cool.

what happens when you develop unexpected gastric issues mid-30 minute journey?

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