The World’s Strongest: Tractors, Materials, and Tugboats

Tractors, tugboats, and diamonds are examples of the world’s strongest, with strength referring to the ability to resist being pulled apart or withstand immense force. The concept of strength is explored through various scenarios, including tractor pulling, a high-adrenaline sport that involves hauling heavy loads.

Tractor Pulling Competitions

Tractor pulling competitions involve machines that can pull up to 60,000 pounds, with the goal of moving the weight as far as possible. The strongest tractors are custom-built by their owners, limited only by their imagination and budget, and can produce over 1,800 horsepower.

• The national tractor pulling championship in Ohio attracts pullers from around the globe, with each tractor being unique and built from the ground up.
• The unlimited modified class is the strongest and wildest, with the main concerns being vehicle length, weight, and tire size.
• There are three main types of engines used: the classic V8, the V12 Allison engine from World War II fighter planes, and jet turbines.

The Science of Strength

Strength is not just about tractors, but also about materials. Spider silk, for example, is one of the strongest materials in the world, with remarkable mechanical properties that spiders rely on to reproduce, eat, and protect themselves from predators.

• Researchers are working to replicate the mechanical properties of spider silk, which has potential uses in ropes, anti-ballistic purposes, and other applications.
• A man-made fiber called Spectra has uncommon strength, allowing it to lift around 100-120 pounds before breaking.
• Spectra fiber is one of the strongest plant fibers, but has been replaced by synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester for industrial rope making.

Tugboats: The Unsung Heroes of the Sea

Tugboats are essential for maneuvering massive cargo ships, like those in the Port of Long Beach, which requires super strength to navigate through narrow channels. 78-foot tug boats generate over 130,000 pounds of force, making them capable of moving larger ships in narrow waterways.

• Tugboats are equipped with 360-degree rotating propellers, known as tractor tugs or z-drives, providing highly efficient and maneuverable propulsion.
• The industry evolved with technological advancements, including the introduction of steam-powered paddle wheel boats, screw propellers, and ultimately, diesel engines.
• Foss Maritime built the strongest enhanced tractor tugs in the world, the Garth Foss and Lindsey Foss, which are 150 feet long, 40 feet wide, and run 8,000 horsepower.

Diamonds: The World’s Strongest Natural Mineral

Diamond is the world’s strongest natural mineral, with unique properties such as hardness, durability, and transparency, making it valuable for jewelry and industrial applications.

• Diamonds are found in kimberlite pipes, brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions, with less than 35 operational kimberlite mines worldwide.
• The use of diamonds in industrial tools began over a hundred years ago, initially with diamond chips being sold as diamond boards for making tools.
• General Electric developed a method to mass-produce diamonds using high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) equipment, recreating the conditions that form natural diamonds.

Polycarbonate Plastic: The Strongest Plastic in the World

Polycarbonate plastic is the strongest plastic in the world, used to protect astronauts, cars, and electronics. It is made from long chains of carbonate groups, such as bisphenol A and phosgene.

• GE has been at the forefront of polycarbonate development since 1912, producing phenolic materials and later expanding to sell plastic products.
• Lexan polycarbonate is used in various applications, from bullet-resistant windows to cell phones and water bottles.
• A Husky 350-ton injection molding machine is used to manufacture various parts, including bumpers and fenders, from polycarbonate pellets.