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Starship
U.S.S. T-Rex
33. 3BP Theory
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Starship |
| U.S.S. T-Rex |
| ___ |
| 33. 3BP Theory |
| 34. Light Barrier |
| 35. L-1011 Tristat |
| 36. Floor Plan |
| 37. Power |
| 38. Gravity |
| 39. A. I. |
| 40. Weapons |
| the book |
( 31 ) and the massive structural walls are also symmetric to them, all together conforming to a planar Three Body Problem. The following two figures show the dynamic relationship between the warp drives, first for full powerTAB 36
The Floor PlanAs might be expected, the starship floor plan, given the shape of its footprint, makes the most efficient use of available space if the various rooms and spaces follow the approximate contours of the outer hull: reminiscent of the zero velocity curves, described in the 3BP Theory section, repeated here.
Zero Velocity Curves
These zero velocity curves suggest the optimal location of structural walls. In the theory of orbits, a small object orbiting the two primary masses cannot pass a curve in either side without a gain or loss of energy, e.g. velocity. This is also called an equipotential surface - detailed in the 3BP Theory section - like the contours of terrain, with peaks at L4 and L5. The following figure gives a detail of the relationship between L1 and L5, highlighting a periodic orbit through L1 that also goes around L5. A similar configuration exists for L1 versus L4, because everything is symmetric with these zero velocity curves.
Periodic Orbits around L5
Now, the spacecraft in deep space is a self contained and isolated entity. For all practical purposes, the very distant stars exert a constant force on all sides so that the net force on the vessel is zero. If the mass of the craft is situated to be symmetric with respect to the two masses M1 and M2, then practically speaking the whole vessel acts like a simple 3BP. That's why presumably the two most massive components - the primary and auxiliary "warp drives" are exactly at M1 and M2,
Periodic Orbits Through L3
and then for forward shield protection
Periodic Orbits Through L1
Even at very high velocities, the spacecraft is a 3BP - there are the stable orbits at L4 and L5; halo orbits at L1, L2 and L3 and a nice closed loop around L2. Each of these form the basis for the power, shields/weapons, and navigation systems - respectively. They all derive their power from the warp drives.
When M1 is much greater than M2 ~ e.g. sun & planet
The figure above shows how the zero velocity curves vary as the proportion of mass between M1 and M2 changes (e.g. parallel sections through the 3D "Twin Tower" figure in the 3BP Theory section). This can be used to set up a structural vibration in the structural walls (e.g. M1 and/or M2 rotating about a local center), increasing structural integrity.
Escape Trajectories from L1
The above figure shows how the forward sensor array is based on the L1 Lagrange Point, similar to the L-1011 Tristar configuration. The key to the navigation system is the free return loop, crossing at the L2 Lagrange point.
( 9 )All navigation data is accessible from this L2 point, potentially assimilated into a real time 3D holograph of the surrounding cosmos.The other two Lagrange points are important for shields. The forward L1 point is accessible for forward shields, via a halo orbit there. This protects the vulnerable leading edge. Likewise for the L3 Lagrange point to the rear.
