In reply to Robin van Spaandonk's message of Thu, 14 Apr 2005 08:51:11 +1000: Hi, [snip] I wrote: >>iron (7.87 gm/mL) = 176000 ft. At that length, any extra tension >>(i.e. an addition "real" load), will break it.
Actually that's wrong. Because of the way in which tensile strength is measured, the force pulling up on the cable can equal the weight of the cable, so even at maximum length, almost any upward force can be maintained, simply by making the cable thicker, until the weight of the cable equals the lifting force. Of course, it's going to be a lot easier on the kite, if the cable is lighter. It would also mean that a better compromise between lift and drag can be used. BTW drag in this case is what is responsible for energy production, so you want it maximised. Regards, Robin van Spaandonk All SPAM goes in the trash unread.
