The Gravity Tunnel Superhighway

TL;DR

This paper analyzes gravity tunnels connecting Earth's surface points, deriving optimal parameters to minimize travel time under different Earth models, and discusses their educational relevance.

Contribution

It introduces a mathematical framework for gravity tunnel optimization using constant gravity and uniform density models, providing solutions and practical insights.

Findings

Optimal tunnel radius minimizes travel time.

Solutions are expressed with basic functions.

Travel time is about 10% longer than the brachistochrone.

Abstract

This manuscript discusses gravity tunnels formed by connecting two vertical shafts by a constant-radius tunnel within the Earth, which featured in a dream I had in September 2024. The total travel time through such a tunnel can be minimized with respect to the radius at which the shafts are connected. I derive this minimal radius and minimum time given two assumptions for Earth's interior, that of constant gravitational acceleration and that of uniform density. Both models have solutions in terms of basic functions, and are typically 10% slower than the brachistochrone curve between the same points. I also find the optimal depth of a "superhighway," which minimizes the average time to fall between any two points on a great circle. Finally, I discuss the role of problems like these in physics education.