Apeiron 2021[Final]

A sphere might seem like a feasible idea, considering its similarity to the shape of the Earth. Even
though it could provide us the largest living area in terms of its volume, gravity along the entire
spherical settlement varies which means the surface of the sphere at the equator spins faster than the
poles. Furthermore, if any puncture was to occur, the affected area might not be easily sealable.
The cylinder was our alternative. Gravity along the cylinder remains uniform as it rotates on a
longitudinal axis and a cylinder could house a large population. However, the inhabitants can view
the opposite side of the settlement and the idea gave rise to psychological concerns. Moreover, in
order to create a radius that will generate substantially the artificial gravity needed, the settlement
will require a massive amount of materials.
The realization to rather construct multiple tori, as a singular torus requires much less air volume
compared to a sphere or a cylinder even though gravity levels do vary along the inner surface, was
comparably suitable in all circumstances, hence fulfilling the requirements of artificial gravity. The
rationale behind it is that a torus requires less air volume, but a cylinder can house a large population
and expansion can be achieved by simply extending it. Considering all the pros and cons of each
scheme we decided to settle on a combination of a variety of proposed ideas suitable into our
settlement.
Conclusively, the final design called for a series of four truncated tori equipped with artificial gravity,
attached to a central cylinder experiencing microgravity. The docking port follows a spherical shape
externally connected to the cylinder. The design followed the philosophy of our name of the
settlement Apeiron where it partially is consisting of replicable components to idealize the theory of
Apeiron.
Fig. 2.4 - Apeiron, viewed from ​x​-axis
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