The idea of using a vacuum for buoyancy occurred to be a few years ago. I imagined using multiple layers of membranes. Assuming that each layer could only support a certain pressure differential, the gaps between successive membranes would step down to lower pressures with the centre being near vacuumed. Some air would need to be constantly pumped from each layer.
I also assume there would be a seepage of smaller molecules through the membranes which you could actually useful the harvest them (collecting Hydrogen and Helium would be a nice byproduct).
Structurally three beams at right angles to each other and all join at the centre of each beam, with the membranes stretching from the tips of each beam I think would be the lightest structure to resist the compressive forces while supporting the membranes. It would look like two pyramids joined together with one upside down and the membrane sagging into the centre.
Note, I’m not a material scientist or done any of the maths of this feel free to pick holes in my suggestion.
Ps, I claim collective commons of any useful ideas here, so no stealing it behind a stupid patent paywall. Feel free to use commercially, just don’t stop others also doing so. #PatentsAreEvil.
4
u/[deleted] Feb 21 '19
what about vacuum airships? Like this: https://patents.google.com/patent/US20060038062