--- In spacesettlers@yahoogroups.com, "Combs, Mike" wrote:
> one advantage the rotating O'Neill hab would have over same on lunar surface is that the former would not require bearings for any significant load

That might not be true. Tidal forces would still create loads on the bearings (assuming dual-cylinders born by a frame), and those loads might be significant.

> Tidal forces would still create loads on the bearings (assuming dual-cylinders born by a frame), and those loads might be significant.

Well, "significant" in comparison to what? In comparison to the wheel bearings in my car? Perhaps the tidal forces on a billion-ton habitat might approach that. My only point was that it would be insignificant in comparison to a constant 1/6 G pull, which was the basis for comparison in that discussion.

Regards,

Mike Combs