1.2 Hull Layer

The exterior shell of the spacecraft consists of multiple layers with afford structural and atmospheric integrity for the space frame, integral waveguides and field conductive members for the SIF, and pathways for other utilities (including deflector grids), as well as resistance to cosmic radiation and extremes of thermal energy.

The exterior shell substrate is composed of interlaced diamond filaments. These filaments are gamma-welded into a series of contiguous carbon-nitride composite segments that are 5cm thick and are typically 1.4 meters in width. The substrate segments are electron-bonded to four layers of 1.4 cm biaxial stressed carbotanium fabric, which provide additional torsion strength. Telmerc, a woven metalloceramic fabric is one of the newest shielding materials. Its alumina-durania-silica fibers shock incoming projectiles and turn them into smaller, less damaging projectiles. Average size of shocked fragment is one micron.

In areas immediately adjacent to major structural members, four layers of 2.4 cm fabric are used. The substrate layer is attached to the major structural members by gamma-welded cobalt\vanadium steel fasteners at 2.3cm intervals. The substrate segments are not intended to be replaceable, except by phase-transition bonding using a transporter assembly jig during major starbase layovers. In addition to the substrate layer, diagonally placed parametallic tetroburnium struts are used every 2 meters.

Two 4cm layers of high-density expanded ceramic composites provide thermal insulation and secondary SIF conductivity. These layers are separated by an 8.2 cm multiaxis tungsten-boronate alloy truss framework, which provides additional thermal insulation and a pass-through for fixed utility conduits.

A 3cm layer of monocrystal lead silicate infused with a semi ferrous polycarbonate provides radiation attenuation. This layer is networked with a series of 2cm x .74 molybdenum-jacketed conduits. These conduits, which occur at 100cm intervals, serve as quad-phase waveguides for the secondary SIF. The next component is a thermoconductive layer; two dissimilar metals joined together, generating a current from the waste heat inside the ship; its only 12% efficient, but its still a sizable energy haul. Conductive copper-tritanium alloy rods penetrate the waveguides at 5xm intervals and transfer SIF energy into the ceramic conductive layer.

A layer of plasma-deposited toranium and kelinide, two very dense materials that are highly resistant to phaser, teryon beam and projectile penetration by virtue of their crystalline molecular structures, similar to metallic diamond or carbon nitride. Microbracing formed inside this layer acts rather like a birds bone, reducing absolute mass by around 5000 tons while reducing strength by only 23%.

Segments are machined to a tolerance of plus or minus .004 mm to allow for minimum drag through the interstellar medium. Joints between segments are manufactured to a tolerance of plus or minus of .0025 mm. At the very top is a layer of monotanium blade .3 meter thick, reinforced with 5 cm of tritanium gamma-bonded every .2 meters.

Also incorporated into the outermost hull layer is a series of superconducting molybdenum-jacketed waveguide conduits which serves to distribute and disperse the energy of the tactical deflector system. Selected segments of this network also serve as radiators for starship thermal management.