franchise-star-trek-tng-technical-manual1

UliU'lithese modules may be channeled through the main systemexhaust paths to provide backup propulsion.Slush deuterium from the main cryo tank is heated andfed to interim supply tanks on Deck 9, where the heat energyis removed, bringing the deuterium down to a frozen state asit is formed into pellets. Pellets can range in size from 0.5 cmto 5 cm, depending on the desired energy output per unit time.A standing pulsed fusion shock front is created by the standardinitiators ranged about the forward inner surface of thesphere. The total instantaneous output of the IRC is throttleablefrom 10 8 to 10 11 megawatts.High-energy plasma created during engine operation isexhausted through a central opening in the sphere to theaccelerator/generator. This stage is generally cylindrical, 3.1meters long and 5.8 meters in diameter, constructed of anintegral single-crystal polyduranium frame and pyrovunideexhaust accelerator. During propulsion operations, the acceleratoris active, raising the velocity of the plasma and passingit on to the third stage, the space-time driver coils. If the engineis commanded to generate power only, the accelerator is shutdown and the energy is diverted by the EPS to the ship'soverall power distribution net. Excess exhaust products canbe vented nonpropulsively. The combined mode, powergeneration during propulsion, allows the exhaust plasma topass through, and a portion of the energy is tapped by theMHD system to be sent to the power net.The third stage of the engine is the driver coil assembly(DCA). The DCA is 6.5 meters long and 5.8 meters indiameter and consists of a series of six split toroids, eachmanufactured from cast verterium cortenide 934. Energyfrom the accelerated plasma, when driven through the toroids,creates the necessary combined field effect that (1) reducesthe apparent mass of the spacecraft at its inner surface, and(2) facilitates the slippage of the continuum past the spacecraftat its outer surface.The final stage is the vectored exhaust director (VED).The VED consists of a series of moveable vanes and channelsdesigned to expel exhaust products in a controlledmanner. The VED is capable of steerable propulsive andnonpropulsive modes (simple venting).IMPULSE ENGINE CONTROLThe impulse propulsion system is commanded throughoperational software routines stored within the spacecraftmain computers. As with the warp propulsion system commandprocessors, genetic algorithms learn and adapt toongoing experiences involving impulse engine usage andExtremely close examination of the impulse drive systemschematic panel in Main Engineering might reveal that one ofthe components is labeled "Infinite Improbability Generation,"a tip of the hat to Douglas Adams's Hitchhiker's Guide to theGalaxy.IPS commandcoordinatorExhaustVectoredexhaustdirectorDriver coilassemblyAccelerator/generatorThrustEPSpower tapsIEPSpower distribDeuteriumfuel supply6.1.4 Impulse engine system