SPS flapping problem (was Laser SPS allows hybridization with T-solar)

Interesting, I wonder if you using more flexible joints along the structure, essentially springs, would allow for enough 'give' for the platform not to be strained. Or possibly instead of connecting each section at a point, you have overlapping bars between the sections that have gears/ball bearings between them. As the tidal forces pull, the sections pull apart by sliding along the bearings, possibly even extracting energy, then you reverse gears to pull them back together. With so many smaller sections I would think it would allow for tidal forces to be mitigated.

Not sure on the clockwise counter clock wise issue. If the whole structure isn't spinning you maybe could allow the structure to 'slide' sectionally along the z/sun axis in sections as well. So from the North Pole view the structure appears to be going from a flat line to a stair case, then on the other portion of the orbit the stair case would go the other way.

Just some thoughts.

Brooks

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