Minimum Structural Strength

I discussed the matter of minimal structural strength with a science fiction
reading mechnical engineer who also subscribes to Aviation Week here at work.

Upon consideration of the factors involved in construction of an actual
spacecraft, such as pressurization of the interior, probably multiple layers
of external wall, interior bracing provided by floors, exterior bracing
necessary to maintain the separation of the multiple wall layers, potential
effect of inertial compensators on the whole mess, and so on, I realized that
there would be no simple way to calculate any sort of answer.  However, the
Armor 40 equivalent would appear to be way too high, and something like an
armor 8 minimum might be more "verisimilitudinous".  (Feel more realistic)

Judging by bits and pieces of things I've run across about the Long Duration
Exposure Facility hauled back from orbit earlier this year, I'd expect that
even a minimally armored structure would last for many years in normal space--
which could probably be ignored for normal gaming purposes.  Now if someone w
wants to suggest that we should put a minimum thickness on starship hulls to
account for resistance to whatever wierd stresses one might experience in
hyperspace, I'll go along with the idea.

Rob Dean