Quote:
Originally Posted by Pazuzu
TUBE temp, not ambient temp. So, prevent the tube from going up 40 degrees. Pre-heat it (they have pods full of steam and 1000 degree low pressure air, the entire system will probably run well above ambient, with only the pod interior conditioned, which is easier with a nearly perfect vacuum around it, no convective or conductive heat transfer between the cool pod and the hot tube...
|
It doesn't matter, there will be changes due to thermal expansion/contraction.
Also note the 3 mile radius curves. That will mean that as you go up over the Grapevine, you will need to raise the tube far above ground before it starts to rise in altitude.
I am skeptical of the air bearing. I also think he is seriously underestimating the cost of the project at $6B. If he can do it for $6B and $20 per trip will make it pay back, he should be able to charge easily $50 or $100 and make a mint.