On 11/25/2019 3:35 PM, Jeff Zeitlin wrote:
> The standard cutter module is a cylinder, given as 15m long and 6m
> diameter, for a displacement of 30dT. However, because of the shape, less
> than the full 30dT is usable.
>
> What are the ramifications of building a module with cutter-compatible
> fittings, but square in cross-section, 6m wide, 6m high, and 15m long, for
> a total (and usable) volume of 40dT?

You get a grumpy letter from Gerry and Sylvia Anderson. ;)

Actually, looking at the page that was linked here the other day, I had
the realization that all of the aerodynamic issues that Ethan noted (and
then some) apply to a cutter flying in the "unloaded" configuration.
These issues are probably not insurmountable at TL 12+ - bonded
superdense covers a multitude of sins - but when you have a streamlined
forward section being pushed though atmosphere at high Mach numbers by a
drive section with an exposed flat front, connected by a relatively thin
dorsal spine, the stresses on that spine are going to be /considerable/.

--
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Kelly St. Clair
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