Re: (2709) Yet more High Speed Projectiles

> Date: Thu, 1 Aug 1991 18:48 CDT
> From: [email removed]
> Subject: (2709) Yet more High Speed Projectiles
>
> If
> Bertil is correct in his calculations (No I'm not going to double check)
> It is impossible for the scout to reach .1c.  Insufficient total energy.
>
> But, I might point out that in order for traveller engines to work, we must
> accept the fact that
> 1	The scout ship has 2G capable engines.
> 2	The fuel volume is capable of lasting 30 days.
>
> These are the underlying assumptions of all traveler designs.  The number of
> Megawatts of power input is a guesswork based on metaphysics.  If your
> argument is based on that fact then we are arguing about metaphysics.

Just for the record, the argument is between classical physics and the
modifications of relativity as identified by Einstein and Lorenz.  This is
not metaphysics (which deals with philosophy.)

> My point is that starship engines are based upon the fact that they are
> supposed to be capable of boosting a ship at accelerations from 1G to 6G
> 10 to 60 meters per second for a period of thirty days.
>
> If you accept that fact, then .1c is in.
>
> If you look at it from a total energy avaliable perspective, I would question
> the basis of the equations you use for available energy.  If you base it upon
> the megatraveller power plant output, then you are questioning the very basis
> of the power plants.  But remember, the power plants were designed (by GDW)
> to account for the performance of non existant forms of locomotion.
>
> If as you suggest a ship has only 1/14th the required energy to reach .1c
> then the ship should only be able to accelerate at 2/14 G's (1/7 G) and
> so the scout chip can not perform as it is required to perform.

The real issue is one of game balance.  The game was designed to be able to
role play in the future.  The game was not intended to require the players
and referee to calculate the intricacies of relativistic flight.

The purpose behind the drives was not necessarily to develop large mass
driver weapons and planetary destruction.  They were made to move a
ship from point "A" to point "B" and have the crew do something interesting
at point "B" (other than die in a large ball of fire.)

If a player wanted to play with these types of speeds, I would make him do the
calcs and figure out the fuel requirements and drive requirements.  This type
of play being outside the bounds of the game design to begin with.

Also, just for the record, if the speeds are less than about .1c, the effects
of relativity can be neglected in general.  Mass increase is about half a
percent at this speed.

- - --
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------------+
| *-=Carl=-*  INTERNET - [email removed] | Time is nature's way to keep |
|             DELPHI - WULFGAR                | everything from happening    |
| Carl Fago   Portland, OR                    | all at once.    -anon.       |
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