Star Trek's Enterprise: Warp Propulsion Systems

Galaxy Class Starship
U.S.S ENTERPRISE NCC-1701-D
Warp Propulsion Systems

Bussard Ramscoop Fuel Replenishment

In the event a deuterium tanker cannot reach a Galaxy class starship, the capability exists to pull low-grade matter from the interstellar medium through a series of specialized high-energy magnetic coils known collectively as a Bussard ramscoop. Named for the twentieth-century physicist and mathematician Robert W. Bussard, the ramscoop emanates directional lonlzlng radiation and a shaped magnetic field to attract and compress the tenuous gas found within the Milky Way galaxy. From this gas, which possesses an average density of one atom per cubic centimeter, may be distilled small amounts of deuterium for contingency replenishment of the matter supply. At high relativistic speeds, this gas accumulation can be appreciable, though the technique is not recommended for long periods for time-dilation reasons. At warp velocities, however, extended emergency supplies can be gathered. While matching supplies of antimatter cannot be recovered from space in this manner, minute amounts of antimatter can be generated by an onboard quantum charge reversal device.

Bussard Ramscoop Collection Field

It is an accepted fact that a starship in distress will continue to deplete its energy supplies; however, systems such as this have been included to afford at least a small additional chance at survival.

A Bussard collector can be found at the forward end each warp engine nacelle. It consists of three main assem- blies, an ionizing beam emitter (IBE), magnetic field generator/collector (M FG/C), and continuous cycle fractionator (CCF). The curved nacelle endcap, the largest single cast structure of the spacecraft, is formed from reinforced polyduranide and is transparent to a narrow range of ionizing energies produced by the emitter. It is the function of the emitter to impart a charge to neutral particles in space for collection by the magnetic field. At warp velocities, the ionizing energies are transitioned into subspace frequencies so that the beam components can project out ahead of the starship, decay to their normal states, and produce the desired effect.

Bussard Ramscoop

Behind and supporting the endcap is the MFC/G, a compact set ot six cells designed to cast a magnetic "net" ahead of the starship and pull in the charged particles toward the intake grills. These coils are constructed from cobalt-lanthanide-boronite and obtain their power from either the power transfer conduits directly, or the general electro plasma system. At sublight velocities, the coils sweep forward normally. At warp velocities, however, the coil operation is reversed to slow down the incoming matter. This system works in close connection with the main navigational deflector. In normal operation, of course, the job of the deflector is to prevent any interstellar material from contacting the ship. Small field "holes" are manipulated by the deflector and MFG/C to permit usable amounts rarified gas through.

Tucked within the MFG/C the CCF, which continuously separates the incoming gas into different grades of matter considered "burnable" within the warp engine. The separated gases are compressed, and pressure-fed to holding tanks' within the Battle Section.

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Copyright © 1998 Tan Ngo-Dang Contact: tangowebmedia@sympatico.ca URL: http://www.oocities.org/area51/rampart/5407/warp06.htm	Created on 05/30/98 Updated on 05/30/98 Page status: final