Nanotechnology in Construction of Buildings and Vehicles

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ARTICLE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2395, Vol. , No.

Nanotechnology in Construction of Buildings and Vehicles

Researchers/Writers: Dr. Lael Rosek
Other Contributors: Lorian Lovar, Alex Blair, Dr. Timothy Alentonis
Supervisors: Dr. Roshanara Rahman, Alex Blair
Approved by:

Institutional Affiliations: Starfleet Corps of Engineers

Abstract

This article addresses the long-term stability of buildings and vehicles in the Shoals region, specifically in relation to the recent earthquakes on Antor II. Nanotechnology has played a part in advancing many industries and has become more widely used in creating sustainable environments. Using this technology to create a stronger, self-repairing build material could have implications throughout the Shoals by reducing long-term costs and funding for construction as well as repair of buildings and vehicles. Also discussed are the possibilities for use throughout Federation space.

Introduction

During a mission to the Antor II colony in the Shoals, the crew of the USS Veritas (NCC-95035, Veritas Class) was faced with the difficult task of rebuilding the colony after devastating earthquakes caused by subspace anomalies, which was further exacerbated by terrorists detonating tricobalt devices in the planet's once-thriving New Macau metropolis. Over a year later, the damage has yet to be fully repaired. The domes used for housing currently exceed their maximum occupancy limits. The planet's thin atmosphere makes it even more crucial that the colony is able to house all of its inhabitants safely.

The discovery of a rare Romulan mineral, Reskariaehhrr, among a lost fleet of Romulan treasure ships that has proven resistant to tetryon radiation could prove instrumental in protecting starships traveling through the area from the affects of the radiation as well as in the construction of buildings for colonies like Antor II. Research has been conducted, resulting in a modified form of the metal that can easily be replicated for widespread use in the Shoals and in other regions of space affected by this and similar types of radiation. The findings of this research are detailed in the article that follows.

Definitions

For the purposes of this article, tetryon radiation is defined as radiation generated by the bombardment of subatomic particles that can only exist in subspace environments. When these particles come into contact with normal space, they "exhibit erratic properties" (Subspace). Because of their random momentum, sensors can't track these particles.

Though Borg nanotechnology is one of the most well-known examples, this technology is simply miniature machines programmed to fulfill a specific function. This particular technology is commonly used in Federation isolinear circuitry found aboard 24th century Federation vessels. This type of circuitry replaced duotronics, which was common aboard 23rd century Federation vessels. See isolinear circuitry.

The extended brief for the Romulan mineral, Reskariaehhrr, can be found here.

Literature Review

Reskariaehhrr (Reskari)

Though research has been conducted regarding the properties and composition of the Reskari metal, relatively little is known about it by comparison to our knowledge of more commonly used elements such as tritanium alloys, which became commercially available in the early 22nd century. The downside to this material is that it has proven to be beyond our abilities to melt it and shape it into a more pliable form. Another substance that held promise for protection from harmful radiation was discovered by early Earth explorers in the mid-22nd century in use on board Vulcan ships in the Delphic Expanse. Though the metal proved to be more easily melted and altered than tritanium, it resulted in side effects for the Vulcans exposed to it. Research regarding long-term effects on non-Vulcanoids is still ongoing.

Comparing these three metals, Reskari seems to hold the most promise despite the fact that we have yet to find a way to melt the metal in its purest form. Dr. Timothy Alentonis and other scientists aboard first the USS Veritas and subsequently the USS Montreal have done intensive studies of the metal’s composition itself and have had success in creating a metallic alloy of Reskari that allows for the best of both worlds: the strength and protection of the original metal combined with the lower melting point and pliability of aluminium.

Nanotechnology

This type of technology has earned a negative reputation within the scientific community due to its use by the Borg Collective to conquer and enslave worlds. However, the technology itself has proven infinitely useful in many areas, particularly for the ability to program these little machines to repair nearly anything they come across given the appropriate set of instructions. Numerous studies have revealed their efficiency not only in repairing biological systems, but also in constructing and repairing synthetic materials. Despite the benefits, there is still a great deal of controversy regarding the regular use of nanotechnology that reaches beyond its links to the Borg. Environmentalists insist that more common use could have a potentially harmful influence on a planet’s ecosystems. Research by various parties has revealed that nanotechnology put into practice on such a massive scale produces toxins at an extremely high rate and that if it is not disposed of promptly and properly, will result in long-term health issues for those exposed to the toxins.