What are the observed different types of Warp Drives?

Discussion in 'Trek Tech' started by KamenRiderBlade, Nov 16, 2018.

  1. zDarby

    zDarby Lieutenant Red Shirt

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    NorCal
    In mathematics, 'subspace' is a smaller space within a larger space. This can be understood in several ways.

    One is in the sense of a box within a box; ie, a stove within a house. Perhaps your equations describe everything within the house but the only part your interested in modeling is the small subspace within the stove, where the conditions are different, for what ever reason.

    Another is a lower dimensional space than in the whole. For example, is (string) M-theory is correct than there are 11 dimensions but in the day-to-day only four of those dimensions matter. Those four, the ones we deal with every day, describe a subspace within the whole 11 dimensions M-theory says are actually there.

    A more abstract meaning comes from the symbology used to describe a space to begin with: the matrix. A matrix can be thought of as a mesh of vectors that changes the properties of other vectors. General relativity uses matrices to describe bending space-time, for example. Most matrices are represented as a set of numbers or functions in a square or rectangular array that can the be added, subtracted, multiplied, divided, etc, into other matrices or vectors. However, it is sometimes useful to use a triangle from that array and ignore the rest. By doing this, you're basically limiting the affect the matrix has, disallowing some transformation. This is also a subspace.

    We know that FTL communication is via "subspace radio" and that it is normally omni-directional.

    We known that an FTL warp field is some kind of "subspace distortion" and that there are many different kinds of "subspace distortion" that are not warp fields.

    We know that shields are some form of gravity-like phenomena and that shields and warp fields are not the same -- this means warp is not an alcubierre drive.

    We know that "static" warp bubbles reduce the apparent momentum-mass of the object it surrounds, allowing for more acceleration from the same force; this implies that FTL comes from "dynamic" warp bubbles.

    We know that warp "coils" are not contiguous spirals, like electro-magnetic coils, but discrete chunks of material and that warp fields are produced by the interactions of these chunks and warp plasma.

    We know there is a sequence to these plasma interactions required to create an FTL warp bubble and that the timing of this sequence is crucial; deviations of the sequence can result in subspace distortions other than warp fields as well as damage to the coils; incorrect timing is as bad as deviations in sequence. On the other hand, we also know that the same warp machinery can go much, much faster than is the norm by changing the sequence and timing of the plasma interactions with the warp field.

    From the above data, I suspect that "subspace" can include all the above definitions in different circumstances. But, as much as anything else, it's the limitation to interact with some fields of force (Higgs) to the exclusion of others (electric).

    I suspect a single warp coil fragment is set to ring a note or tone within a select field of force --probably the higgs field-- by the hammering of warp plasma. When other segments are set to ringing, the interference patterns between the vibrations form the "shape" of the warp bubble within the fields affected. This "shape" is the subspace distortion. The changing of this shape allows (somehow) for FTL while the distortion is still coupled to the craft; however, when the distortion is somehow decoupled from the craft, it self-propogates as subspace radio.

    The shape of the coil segments would greatly change the their ringing characteristics. --their tonality-- within the effected field(s) and would require huge amounts of computing power to predict. Their shape would also dictate the warp-power curve through the warp regime as well as the power required to maneuver while at warp. This would account for all the different shapes and arrangements of "warp coils" listed at the top of this thread: different compromises for different performance requirements.

    And a great big tuning fork of the right material may well be *very* helpful in such a system.

    We know the amount of power poured into the warp coils is monumental: in the exowatt range while in the warp 9 regime. (Though it's also clear there are less brute-force methods to reach those speeds.)

    Keeping the coils from melting into slag must be an equally monumental engineering marvel: vents, vents galore!

    Just my $0.02.
     
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  2. KamenRiderBlade

    KamenRiderBlade Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

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    Don't forget that each SubSpace Field emitter configurations would by default have their own unique "Signature". Ergo every type of Warp engine that is uniquely configured (arrangement, size, layout, etc) would by default emit their own unique "Warp Signature". Kind of like how each instrument would have it's own unique sound signature.
     
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  3. zDarby

    zDarby Lieutenant Red Shirt

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    True. Not only would one be able to tell it's a Galaxy class starship by the "warp signature" but the actual Galaxy herself, first of her kind, as each vessel would have enough of a difference from her sister ships have a unique signature.
    Like telling one violin from another by their sound alone.
     
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  4. KamenRiderBlade

    KamenRiderBlade Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

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    Oct 24, 2012
    Only if you're good enough to tell violin's apart.
    Us normies probably couldn't tell them apart, it takes a trained ear to do that.