Diamagnetism is where a non-magnetic material reacts to magnetic fields as if it was a magnet.  If carbon nanotubes (CNT) are strongly diamagnetic then a lifter can climb the space elevator ribbon without using wheels.  Since CNT's sister material pyrolytic carbon is so a strong diamagnetic material that it can hover over real earth magnets, CNT may also have this useful property.  See picture in this Wikipedia article.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamagnetism

How diamagnetic is CNT?  Strong?  Weak?

If wheels can be replaced by linear motors then we do not have to worry about the inefficiency of friction, or the rollers and ribbon overheating.  Nor do we have to add magnets or metal particles to the ribbon, significantly saving weight.

Since CNT is not a metal two linear motors may be needed for motion, the ribbon is sandwiched in between the linear motors.  Replacing one of the motors with permanent magnets could save energy.  Low acceleration motors producing 1.2 g would be suitable for the space elevator and ribbon based climbers in mines.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linear_motor

That's right.  Turn the power on and up she goes.

Since a climber is going up vertically gravity cannot to be used to keep the ribbon and magnet together so electromagnets are needed on both sides of the ribbon.  Sensors and power controller will also be needed to keep the ribbon in the centre of the electromagnets.

Information on linear motors
http://www.force.co.uk/page2.html

If it works a Maglev SE would be very nice.  Variations on the technology could form part of other space transportation systems.  Hopefully this will result in more sales of “lifters” and ribbons.

By rotating a ribbon and (small) lifters through 90° and a Transport Ribbon Car system can be manufactured.  Reference the “Magnetic Propulsion” thread in the “The Lifter” forum.

Make the car engine accelerate at 1 g and a Lunar Space Runway with reusable train is possible.
See “600 km Lunar Space Elevator” in “Alternative SE System Designs” forum.

Moon and Mars space elevators.

Lifts between the living quarters and the central hub of space stations that support artificial gravity will be useful; 1 km straight up is too far to climb.


An experiment to test the diamagnetic properties of CNT needs performing.  Hopefully pure CNT is not needed so existing CNT fibre can be used.  There are small devices able to demonstrate the hovering ability of materials.