I don't get it. Thin pylons and necks, an undercut in the bottom of the saucer, a massive arboretum that cuts from one side of the secondary hull to the other, and very large windows in that section to boot... Don't all those things just mentioned pretty much violate structural common sense?
Generally Trek doesn't make alot of sense but it's been getting worse.
-The only real problem is the Pylons. I question whether it's possible to stiffen them from twisting with the ships motions because the coils are the most massive part of any ship. It's like putting a bowling ball at the end of an umbrella.
-The Neck can be stiffen at the base and nape from twisting between the mass of the Star Drive and Saucer. This ship isn't that big thus not out of the realm of possibility that material and welds can make this structure rigid and durable.
The Bay Windows aren't a problem. It's one deck and most of the Stardrive is empty space. Tactically I wouldn't have done it. The Undercut in the saucer isn't a structural issue just superfluous. (there is a question whether it does go to one side to the other side)
(Structurally I give it a fail for the Pylons)
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SovereignThat being said. Sovereign puts it's engines at the end of similarly spindly pylons and they are the length or the original Enterprise. It's covered in windows. Instead of cut outs into useable space it the Triangular hood on the top is litterally a wast of metal unless the deck slopes with the saucer we're talking narrow corridors heading out to...nowhere because they cut through decks. Sovereign is covered with windows. But at least it got rid of the neck.
(I Give it a Fail)
GalaxyIt's the biggest improve while keeping the familar form of the Earlier ship. But the ship is SO Big..I've been working out of the tech manual to see if a superstructure can be created sound. The Core of the Saucer Section would be an elliptical ovoid like the concrete core of a building. The surrounding sections would attach to it. The Neck doesn't look to be a problem nor the nacelles to a serious degree (not as IMPRACTICAL). But I can tell you to make the Galaxy happen their would be a lot less internal habitual space in the stardrive than depicted. The neck and pylons would be mostly structural crossmembers as well as a good portion of the from the secondary hull to stiffen the neck at the narrow base from snapping when the saucer leans in the opposite direction.
The biggest problem is the ridiculously excessive use of windows.
(Structurally I Give it a Pass)
OdyessyFrom what I've seen...a ship as large as the Galaxy that literally takes the entire back half of the ship and divides it in two....(sigh) with all that mass shearing against the attachment on the stardrive. It's one the reasons Akira Class is an awful design. Booms are just stupid in space. That's something you do on the water where the mass can be supported. In space there is no support but your own structure. All of these structures would be fine if they were siting in orbit but they're not. They are manuvering and changing direction place incredible loads and small and apparently week members.
(Fail)
It Think the best Designs are the Luna and Miranda class, Constellation.
Strangely the average Klingon ship is better designed structurally.
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