I''ve made a few refinements to my model. Mirrors are just a quick "tack on" at this point, but Ive tidied up the cylinder a lot. I'm trying to remain as faithful as possible in principle to the original G.K O'Neill concept.
Basic details are:
2 counter-rotating cylindrical habitats, each as follows:
3 valleys each of length: 20km, width: ~3.8km
Diameter 7.2km
Total length: ~ 27km
Shell thickness: ~50 to 100 meters (utilities, shielding, and underground transport to hub)
Rotation period: 2 minutes
Precession of ~1 degree per day (to track the sun) will be induced with a tensioning cable attached between the 2 hubs at one end. The 2 habitats rotate in opposing directions in order that they will precess in the same direction.
The 3 mirrors can operate on independent 8-hr offset cycles giving each valley a different timezone (offset by 8 hours), or alternatively on a synchronised cycle giving the same timezone for everyone living in the cylinder. The former would be the most likely arrangement in order that iindustry can operate round the clock.
Seasonal cycles between the habitats would be offset by 6 months to give year round choice of skiing, beach, boating activities, etc... to inhabitants of both habitats. This will also encourage mixing/socialising between the habitats.
Any feedback/comments/discussion would be appreciated.
Some pics showing progress:
