Difference between revisions of "Acceleration curve"
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| − | The acceleration curve is a linear graph measuring how quickly a space craft accelerates, which in turn is used to calculate its various maximum [[speeds]]. | + | The acceleration curve is a linear graph measuring how quickly a space craft accelerates, which in turn is used to calculate its various maximum [[sublight speeds]]. |
The [[Ion vacuum drive]] has a maximum exhaust velocity of around seventy-percent of the speed of light(PSL). Thus, every ship using this engine has a theoretical maximum speed of 70PSL. | The [[Ion vacuum drive]] has a maximum exhaust velocity of around seventy-percent of the speed of light(PSL). Thus, every ship using this engine has a theoretical maximum speed of 70PSL. | ||
However, depending on the engine's specific impulse, it may or may not have enough delta-V to reach 70PSL within an allotted time-frame. The acceleration curve is used to calculate the various speed ratings. The exact velocity differs greatly from ship-to-ship, and changes as well according to role. A carrier is, for example, expected to have a very different acceleration curve than a fighter. | However, depending on the engine's specific impulse, it may or may not have enough delta-V to reach 70PSL within an allotted time-frame. The acceleration curve is used to calculate the various speed ratings. The exact velocity differs greatly from ship-to-ship, and changes as well according to role. A carrier is, for example, expected to have a very different acceleration curve than a fighter. | ||
Revision as of 22:23, 31 January 2011
The acceleration curve is a linear graph measuring how quickly a space craft accelerates, which in turn is used to calculate its various maximum sublight speeds.
The Ion vacuum drive has a maximum exhaust velocity of around seventy-percent of the speed of light(PSL). Thus, every ship using this engine has a theoretical maximum speed of 70PSL.
However, depending on the engine's specific impulse, it may or may not have enough delta-V to reach 70PSL within an allotted time-frame. The acceleration curve is used to calculate the various speed ratings. The exact velocity differs greatly from ship-to-ship, and changes as well according to role. A carrier is, for example, expected to have a very different acceleration curve than a fighter.
