0
The materials carbon and kevlar fiber composites have the highest strength to weight ratio. Molded panels and structures are relatively cheap and lightweight to construct and launch.
However, meteoroids are a very real danger in space do to a high potential of catastrophic decompression upon impact. Although composite materials have the highest strength to weight ratios of available materials, they disintegrate upon impact as was discovered during ballistics testing of the YF-22's wing. Subsequently, one third of the spars were replaced with titanium. This kept the plane structurally able to continue flight.
In space, this would not be enough to prevent decompression. The best materials to prevent penetration would be quite heavy. Think tank armor: depleted uranium, high nickel super-alloys or the titanium alloy Tiadyne 3515 (Titanium 50%, Vanadium 35%, Chromium 15%) which has the highest strength to weight ratio of the metal alloys.
It all boils down to levels of protection and probabilities of survival. At $10,000 per kilogram to get things into orbit, one might consider using available resources on your space settlement. If on the moon, for example, tunneling under the surface would be best. The moon itself would then be the most durable, cheapest, and lightest material.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What is The lightest part of a shadow called?
I believe you mean the lightest part of Earth's shadow casted upon the moon and the answer to that would be: The lightest part of Earth's shadow upon the moon is called the penumbra. In fact any shadow is divided between that totally blocked (umbra) and partially blocked by the light source (penumbra) so the Penumbra can indeed be the moons partial shadow on the earth during a partial or total solar eclipse
Where is the strongest electromagnetic force on earth found?
The strongest electromagnetic force on Earth is found between the North and the South Poles. The source of the force is found in the core of the Earth, which is rotating slightly faster than the Earth's own rotation, creating a generator of immense proportions.
What is the world's strongest material?
Diamond! is the common answer Graphene is the real answer and it's 200 times stronger than steel
What atom is the lightest and the simplest atom?
hydrogen
What is the conclusion for the strongest paper towel brand?
bounty the strongest
What makes up the earth's lightest material?
2111
Why do you use plastic for car bumpers?
So that if it hits anything it does not effect your bike and plastic is the most lightest and strongest material.
Is holly tree the strongest material on earth?
No. It is not.
What is the hardest metal in the earth?
Iridium is the most strongest, rarest, densest, expensive, lightest metal ever known
What is the strongest lightest toothpick bridge?
an arch bridge
What is the strongest and lightest metal?
Ozzy Osbourne after a cocaine binge.
What is the lightest thing on earth?
The lightest naturally occurring substance on Earth is aerogel, which is made of 99.8% air. In terms of individual atoms, hydrogen is the lightest element found on Earth.
What is the lightest material for a parachute?
plastic bag
Which is lightest alkaline earth metal?
The lightest alkaline earth metal is Beryllium(Be) having atomic mass 9.012 dalton. The heaviest element in this family is radium.
What is the lightest thing in the world but not even the strongest man can not hold for vary long?
His breath.
What is the lightest cheapest material for building seating?
Styrofoam . . .
What fabric is the strongest?
Carbon fiber and Kevlar are both very tough and strong but the strongest and lightest material on the face of the earth is Aerogels. Aerogels are made of 90%-99% air and usually silica but can be any material It has tensile strengths of 16 KPa or higher. It is an extremal good insulator Aspen Aerogels has hiking gear that they are selling.
