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Star Trek - The Next Gene…ractive Technical Manual
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Star Trek The Next Generation Interactive Technical Manual.iso
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0320450.txt
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1994-09-12
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INERTIAL DAMPING SYSTEM
Operating in parallel with the structural integrity field (SIF) system is
the inertial damping field system (IDF). This system generates a controlled
series of variable-symmetry forcefields that serve to absorb the inertial
forces of spaceflight which would otherwise cause fatal injury to the crew.
The IDF is generated separately from the SIF, but is fed by a parallel series of
waveguides that are then conducted through synthetic gravity plates.
The IDF is operated by maintaining a low-level forcefield throughout
the habitable volume of the spacecraft. This field averages 75 millicochranes
with field differential limited to 5.26 nanocochranes/meter, per SFRA-
standard 352.12 for crew exposure to subspace fields.
As acceleration effects are anticipated, this field is distorted along a
vector diametrically opposed to the velocity change. The IDF thereby
absorbs the inertial potential, which would otherwise have acted upon the
crew.
There is a characteristic lag time for the shifting of IDF direction and
intensity. This lag varies with the net acceleration involved, but averages 295
milliseconds for normal impulse maneuvers. Because IDF control is generally
derived from Flight Controller data, normal course corrections can be
anticipated so there is rarely any noticeable acceleration to the crew.
Exceptions to this sometimes occur when power for IDF operations is
restricted or when sudden maneuvers or other externally caused
accelerations occur more rapidly than the system can respond.
Flux generation for the IDF is provided by four field generators
located on Deck 11 in the Primary Hull and by two generators located on
Deck 33 in the Engineering Hull. Each generator consists of a cluster of
twelve 500 kW graviton polarity sources feeding a pair of 150 millicochrane
subspace field distortion amplifiers. Heat dissipation on each unit is provided
by a pair of 100,000 MJ/hr continuous-duty liquid helium coolant loops. Three
backup generators are located in each hull, providing up to twelve hours of
service at 65% of maximum rated power. Normal duty cycle on generators is
forty-eight hours online, with nominal twelve hours degauss and scheduled
maintenance time. Graviton polarity sources are rated for 2,500 operating
hours between routine servicing of superconductive elements.
Cruise Mode operating rules require at least two field generators to
be active at all times in each hull, although the Flight Control Officer may call
for activation of additional units 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. ╞