Hull and Structure

Hull and Structure

Insure through computer diagnostics and visual inspections that the hull is within Starfleet guidelines. Maintain checks on baron particle buildup. Check for the integrity of the waveguides of various systems within the structural members [this includes Structural Integrity Field Waveguides as well as the Deflector Grid]. Waveguides must not only properly transmit the fields for the SIF and deflector systems, but thermal and radioactive energies from inside and outside of the ship as well. Damage to substrate segments of the hull can only be repaired at starbase or station facilities. Erosion by micrometeoroid impacts is normally kept to a minimum by the deflector systems, but after an average of 7.2 standard years 30% of the leading-edge segments need replacement.

Structural Integrity Field

The mechanical integrity of the physical spaceframe of a starship is augmented by the structural integrity field (SIF) system. This system provides a network of forcefield segments that compensate for propulsive and other structural load factors that otherwise exceed the design limits of the spaceframe. The SIF applies forcefield energy directly to field conductive elements within the spaceframe and increases the load-bearing capacity of the structure.

Field generation for the SIF is provided by a number of field generators. A Galaxy-class vessel has five generators, three on Deck 11 of the Primary Hull, and two on Deck 32 in the Secondary Hull. Each generator consists of a cluster of twenty 12 MW graviton polarity sources feeding a pair of 250 milli cochrane subspace field distortion amplifiers. Heat dissipation on each unit is provided by a pair of 300,000 megajoules per hour (MJ/hr) continuous-duty liquid helium coolant loops. (Two backup generators are located on each Hull of the Galaxy-class, providing up to twelve hours of service at 55% of maximum rated power). Normal duty cycle on generators is thirty-six hours online, with nominal twenty-four hours degauss and scheduled maintenance time. Graviton polarity sources are rated for 1,500 operating hours between routine servicing of superconductive elements.

The output of each SIF generator is directed by means of a network of molybdenum-jacketed triphase waveguides which distributes the field energy throughout the spaceframe. SIF conductivity elements are incorporated into all major structural members. When energized by the SIF, the load-bearing capacity of these structural elements is increased by up to 125,000%. Secondary feeds also provide for reinforcement of the vehicle's external shell.

Cruise Mode operating rules require at least one field generator to be active at all times in each hull, although the Flight Control Officer may call for activation of a second generator when extreme maneuvers are anticipated. During Alert modes, all operational units are brought to hot standby for immediate activation. Reduced Power Mode rules permit a single field generator to feed the entire spaceframe using the field conduit umbilical connect between the primary and engineering sections. Coolant levels, pressure, and temperature of each SIF generator must be monitored. After the normal duty cycle of 36 hours, a nominal 24-hour period of degauss [meaning: demagnetization] and scheduled maintenance time follows. Graviton polarity sources have a 1,500 hour operation rating between servicing of the superconductive elements.

Inertial Dampening Field

Inertia Damping Field is the system that allows a ship to travel at high acceleration/decelerations (Impulse/Warp) while keeping the crew safe and maintaining the ship’s structural integrity. This is due to the fact that without the IDF those onboard the ship or the ship itself would not be able to withstand the stress of the high G forces. The Inertia Damping Field operates in parallel with the SIF system. This system generates a controlled series of variable-symmetry force fields that serve to absorb the inertial forces of space flight. Duties include regular maintenance of the waveguides [which are separate from the SIF waveguides] and gravity plates. Coolant level, pressure, and temperature for each generator must be checked. After the normal duty cycle of 48 hours, a nominal 12-hour period of degauss and scheduled maintenance follows. Graviton polarity sources are rated for 2,500 hours of operation between routine servicing of superconductive elements.

Navigational Deflector

The Navigational Deflector is used to push objects from the path of the ship. These objects could range from as small as an atom or micrometeoroid particles to rare but more hazardous larger objects such as asteroids. Navigational Deflector is a series of high power graviton polarity source generators. Each generator is a cluster of six 128 MW graviton polarity sources feeding a pair of 550 milli-cochrane subspace field distortion amplifiers. The dish is steerable under automatic computer control using electrofluidic servers capable of deflecting the dish on a z-axis by varying amounts dependent upon ship class. The Deflector System must be kept in proper alignment; Flight Control, Science, and Tactical rely on the deflector system to help supplement scans from the various sensors. Proper alignment is also required for the long-range sensors to function properly. The Deflector Dish or Deflector Grid [depends on the ship] should be maintained to a completely intact state so that no gaps occur in the field. Generator maintenance should be regular. The graviton polarity source should be replaced within a reasonable operational time period. The diagnostics of the Navigational deflector are an automatic computer function. Alignment is done via human input into the computer.