How to build this?

This in an interesting thread.

To start. We (as a people) have produced rotating pressure vessels on
Earth without a problem. The basic method is to have very well
machined parts that fit togther closely. Imagine three cylinders two
the same radius and the third slightly larger so that the two can fit
into it. The two smaller ones fit into each end of the bigger one. The
two can then be clamped together internally so they don't rotate
relative to each other. the middle section can now rotate freely.

When engineering the three sections, a 'small' lip can be added so
that the three sections don't move relative to each other.

Such an arrangement will leak, but the leakage will be very small.
Adding heavy oil as libricant can decrease the leakage further but
never stop it entirely. Structurally the arrangement will not buckle
so catastrophic pressure release is improbable.

On design:
I would suggest two living volumes similar to apartment buildings held
together with a smaller 'tube' connected to the middle section of the
cylinders above perpendicularly. It would look like a large barbell
spinning around its access.

I envision a space ship to look like a large sperm (spherical head
with a long mass driver type engine attached to it) with one or more
of these barbell sections. Most likely one or more solar power
stations attached to the mass driver. The 'fuel' would be large chunks
of material strapped on to the mass driver. As it is needed, it is
brought into the spherical section pulverized into dust and used.

Cargo containers (agricultural sections ?) would be strapped on the
same way as the fuel.

On Counter rotation.
You will need something to counter-rotate. If it isn't another living
area, its going to be one big gyroscope.

Bill

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