tlb wrote:Why are you making an artificial distinction between a closed system (which you say results in deceleration) and an open system (which results in acceleration)? In either acceleration or deceleration, the tractor beams reach out from the ship and grab onto the alpha wall. Why do you think that there is a difference? Do you think that there is something inside the ship that can be grabbed to result in deceleration?
Fair enough question. The bottom line may be my inoperable ballast tanks.
My logic is based on certain assumptions. The main assumption is, just like traditional warships the Spider Drive's propulsion system is much more capable than its grav plates, and just like traditional warships, can theoretically attain velocities much greater than can be "compensated."
Impeller ships kill velocity by flipping the ship and accelerating in the opposite direction. Which uses an equal and opposite reaction to decelerate. But I characterize that as a different method apart from acceleration, since it involves flipping the ship.
Again, I
assume Spider ships have to temper their acceleration as well, much lower than what they are capable of. In decelerating, I also assume they must use a variation of what is used to accelerate. My guess would be taking limited advantages of the Spider's legs. I would assume there are either smaller legs which are used for braking, or the legs protruding out to the side are used for braking. The legs protruding from the sides may not grab (reach) as far into the Alpha Wall as the larger legs extending forward. Or vice versa, shrug.
So, when decelerating, I am positing that all spires (legs) are not used. Like the brake and the accelerator on a car aren't normally used simultaneously.
And both type warships' safe acceleration is always computer governed. The computer can also handle the radical maneuvers of a Spider.
Hence, my ballast tanks may be off-kilter because of my total lack of understanding Spider Drive technology.
If we consider the eight legs of an arachnid, they have varying functions. Their front legs are longer than the rear legs, but they use the rear ones to jump. The front legs are used for "grasping" their prey.
If you shoot a grappling hook which is attached to a massive rubber band a mile ahead of you, it's going to snap you forward far faster than one extending only half a mile.