bgb (01/26/83)
While the subject of Star Trek physics has been broached I would also like to add to the list that explosions in space rock the Enterprise violently. How does this happen? Is the force transferred through the deflector shields and if so who needs the shields? Actually the answer is that it shouldn't happen and is done for excitements sake. That's also the reason that seat belts were not used. Nobody would be able to lunge about as the bridge rocks back and forth (as perceived by the viewer). All this is according to David Gerrold in either "World of Star Trek" or "The Trouble with Tribbles". Bill Backus Houxa!bgb
CSvax:Pucc-H:Physics:crl (01/29/83)
#R:ariel:-21200:pur-phy:11900002:000:762 pur-phy!crl Jan 28 14:01:00 1983 I really don't feel that it is too important to defend Star Trek "physics", but here is some food for thought nevertheless: On the question of whether the Enterprise should be rocked violently by phaser/disruptor/whatever hits, I believe I recall that the deflector shields are a skin effect. (The gridwork that can be clearly seen on the saucer section is the field generator.) Thus, it is quite plausible to assume that hits on the shield can transfer momentum to the hull. In this case the shields can be likened to the body shield carried by ancient warriors--instead of receiving a killing blow, the major thrust of the attack is spread out to a large part of his/her body. In any case, who cares? Charles LaBrec pur-ee!Physics:crl purdue!Physics:crl