A6_8 The Hyperloop through the centre of the Earth II

Abstract

In previous research it was shown how a 500 kg Hyperloop pod falling through the centre of the Earth would never return to the surface when air resistance is considered. In this paper two possible methods to ensure that the pod would reach the opposite side of the Earth are considered; a thruster and a winch. For 5000 kg of fuel, it was determined that the total travel time using thrusters would be 2820 s if all the fuel is burnt instantaneously, making it a feasible solution. On the other hand, the travel time using a winch was over 86 hours. Therefore using such a method would not be particularly useful given assumptions made here.