Editing Rosenante Class Briefing (section)

==3.3 Hull Layers==

The exterior of the spacecraft consists of multiple layers, which afford structural and atmospheric integrity for the space frame, integral wave-guides and field conductive members for the structural Integrity Field (SIP) and H.I.S.S components, and pathways for other utilities (including deflector grids), as well as resistance to radiation and thermal energy.
The exterior shell substrate is composed of interlaced micro-foam duranium filaments. These filaments are gamma welded into a series of contiguous composite segments that are 4.7 cm thick and are typically 2 meters in width. The substrate segments are electron-bonded to three reinforcing layers of 1.2- cm biaxially stressed terranium fabric, which provide additional torsion strength.
In areas immediately adjacent to major structural members, four layers of 2.3-cm fabric are used. The substrate layer is attached to major structural members by electron-bonded duranium fasteners at 2.5-cm intervals. The substrate segments are not intended to be replaceable, except by phase-transition bonding using a transporter assembly jig during major Starbase layovers.
Two 3.76-cm layers of low-density expanded ceramic-polyrner composites provide thermal insulation and secondary SIP and H.I.S.S. conductivity. These layers are separated by an 8.7-cm multiaxis triennium truss framework, which provides additional thermal insulation and a pass through for fixed utility conduits.
A 4.2-cm layer of monocrystal beryllium silicate infused with somniferous polycarbonate whiskers provides radiation attenuation. This layer is networked with a series of 2.3-cm X 0.85-cm molybdenum-jacketed conduits. These conduits, which occur at 1.3-m intervals, serve as triphase wave-guides for the secondary structural integrity field. Conductive tritium rods penetrate the wave-guides at l0-cm intervals and transfer SIF energy into the ceramic-polymer conductive layer.
The outermost hull layer is composed of a 1.6-cm sheet of AGP ablative ceramic fabric chemically bonded onto a substrate of 0.15-cm triermium foil. This material is formed into segments approximately 3.7m² and is attached to the radiation attenuation layer by a series of duranium fasteners, which allows individual segments to be replaced as necessary. (Micrometeor erosion is kept to a minimum by the deflector system, but is sufficient to warrant replacement of 30% of the leading edge on the average of every 7.2 standard years.) Individual outer hull segments are machined to a tolerance of ±0.05-mm to allow for minimum drag through the interstellar medium. Joints between segments are manufactured to a tolerance of ±0.025-mm.
Also incorporated into the outermost hull layer is a series of super conducting molybdenum-jacketed wave-guide conduits, which serve to absorb and disperse sensor emission energy that interacts with the hull. Segmented sections of this network serve as housings for the unique DECS components, responsible for producing the ship’s tactical deflector. Unlike a standard starship, there are no thermal regulating assemblies built into the skin of the starship. Instead this duty is regulated through a series of intercoolers and radiators housed inside the interior of the Bussard Collector Assembly.