franchise-star-trek-tng-technical-manual1

2.7 SAUCER MUOULE SEPARATIUN SYSTEMS2.7.2 Latching systemSEPARATION SYSTEM OPERATIONIn the docked configuration, the passive apertures retainthe grab plates in their fully deployed positions, and a structurallocking wedge is driven into the gap between the plates.Energy from the structural integrity field (SIF) is conductedthrough the grab plates to rigidize the combined vehicle. Allumbilicals would operate normally to transfer consumablesand information. The turbolifts move normally between theSaucer Module to the Battle Section. At the confirmed signalfor Saucer Module separation, once an assigned crew hasoccupied the Battle Bridge, computer event timers deadfaceall interconnects by commanding all umbilical blocks to shutdown and retract to safe housings, and turbolift termination2.7.3 Docking latch (Battle Section side)seals to drop into their deploy positions. Should any keyumbilicals or turbo paths show a failure condition at thevehicle interface, the computer will close off the affectedelements at the best possible points upstream of the failure.Hardware and software failures will then be dealt with later,once the emergency situation is resolved. Crews on bothsides of the vehicle interface monitor the progress of theseparation sequence, and are then on standby awaitingreconnection duties.Once all systems are safed, preparatory to the -Y translationalmaneuver, the latch wedge blocks are retracted andthe grab plates are moved together. If the maneuver isconducted at sublight, there exists an option to postpone thelatch retract into the Battle Section, in case a rapid reconnectionis required. Once into warp flight, however, this option iscanceled, as the latches must retract quickly to minimizevehicle stresses and any chance of collision with the SaucerModule.The separation maneuver will cause the two vehiclecomponents to behave differently from a flight dynamicsstandpoint, and vehicle velocity at the time of separation willfurther increase the differences in handling characteristics.The main computers aboard each vehicle, interacting withtheir respective engines, SIF, and the inertial damping field(IDF), will perform realtime adjustments to compensate forvehicle-induced oscillations or externally forced motions. As