4.3 Magnetic Constriction Segments

The upper and lower magnetic constriction segments constitute the central mass of the core. These components work to structurally support the quantite reaction chamber, provide a pressure vessel to maintain the proper core operating environment, and align the incoming plasma streams for combining within the quantite reaction chamber. The upper MCS measures 25 meters in length, the lower unit 16 meters. Both are 2.7 meters in diameter. A typical segment comprises ten sets of tension frame members, a toroidal pressure vessel wall, sixteen sets of magnetic constrictor coils, and related power feed and control hardware. The constrictor coils are high-density, forced-matrix yttrium-samarium-praseodymium-cobalt; The coils are grouped into five clusters of 10 individual coils each to handle the incoming plasma streams; dynamic computer control and genetic algorithms ensure proper running of a system that is otherwise too complicated for a single normal human to manage. They are also made with thirty-six active elements configured to provide maximum field strength only within the pressure vessel and permitting little or no field spillage into Engineering.

The pressure vessel toroids are alternating layers of vapor-deposited carbonitride-titanide and transparent aluminum borosilicate. The vertical tension members are machined carbotanium and cortenide reinforcing whiskers, and are phase-transition bonded in place as the vehicle frame is being assembled to produce a single unified structure. All engine frame members possess integral conduits for structural integrity field energy reinforcing under normal operation. The outermost transparent layer serves as one observable gauge of engine performance, as harmless secondary photons are emitted from the inner layers, providing a deep yellow glow. The CEO and\or deputy personnel can readily see the peristaltic action and energy level of the constrictor coils.

As the streams of plasma are released from their respective nozzles, the constrictor coils compress each stream in the Y-axis and add between 300-500 m\sec velocities. This insures proper alignment and collision energy for them each to land on target within the QFRC at the exact center of the chamber. It is at this point the quantite is injected and the gravimetric fields in the articulation frame mediate the reaction.