Toroid or split toroid element that generates a subspace field, when energized by a plasma stream. A set of several warp coils is combined in a warp nacelle. Plasma injectors serve to adjust the activation sequences of the single warp coils in a way that a propulsive, asymmetric warp field is formed.
Warp core
Part of the warp drive in which power is generated through a controlled annihilation of matter and antimatter, also referred to as matter/antimatter reaction chamber (M/ARC). The complete warp power generation system including the warp core, matter and antimatter injectors and constriction elements, is called matter/antimatter reaction assembly (M/ARA). Matter and antimatter stream are combined in the dilithium crystal inside the warp core, resulting in a (warp) plasma stream.
A failure of antimatter containment is commonly referred to as warp core breach. In this case antimatter can get in contact with matter, leading to a disastreous explosion that most probably destroys the ship. In case of a containment failure, the warp core offers the possibility of an emergency shutdown. If the shutdown does not work, it is possible to eject the whole M/ARA.
warp drive containment field
After returning from the Gamma Quadrant with Vash, the U.S.S. Ganges's warp drive containment field was on the verge of collapse. (DS9: Q-Less)
Contributed by: Clare Bradley
Warp factor
Unitless number that describes the speed of a ship or signal traveling faster than light.
Warp field
Subspace field with a subspace distortion of at least 1 cochrane. A starship enveloped by a warp field is able to travel faster than light, without relativistic limits being violated. The asymmetrical warp field used by Federation starships is propulsive itself without an additional exhaustion necessary. This is accomplished by sequentially activating the warp coils. A symmetrical, non-propulsive warp field is used for 24th century starship computer cores, where it allows FTL travel of electrons or photons within the field limits.
Warp nacelle
Part of the warp drive that holds the warp coils, plasma conduits and injectors, usually in a separate housing. Almost all Federation starships employ an even number of nacelles, arranged symmetrically to the longitudinal axis. Support pylons connect the nacelles to the ship's hull and supply the warp coils with plasma through power transfer conduits (PTC). Usually, a Bussard collector is attached to the front end of each warp nacelle. Romulans and Klingons use warp nacelles similar to the Federation type.
An even number of nacelles symmetrical to the ship's centerline serves for better stability and maneuverability. With such a configuration the ship's flight path can easily be changed or corrected through different firing sequences for the two sets of warp coils, thereby generating an angular momentum. This does not work well with a single, symmetrical nacelle, where only the plasma stream can be regulated in order to steer the ship.
Warp nacelles are usually not directly attached to the engineering hull so as to provide an optimum shape of the warp field.
Warp propulsion system
Propulsion system of starships that allows faster-than-light (FTL) travel, also referred to as warp drive. The main components of a Federation warp propulsion system are matter and antimatter storage, injectors, constriction segments, warp core (M/ARC), warp plasma conduits (power transfer conduits, PTC) and warp coils. The controlled annihilation of antimatter and matter inside a dilithium crystal in the warp core generates the energy necessary for a warp field and also supplies most of the ship's systems. The propulsive warp field is generated by the warp coils. The warp drive was first successfully tested by Zefram Cochrane in 2063, however, other civilizations such as the Vulcans had discovered warp drive a long time ago.
Warp sustainer engine
Propulsion system of a photon torpedo, allowing warp flight for a short period after the launch.
Weather modification net
System that controls and modifies the weather on Federation planets.
white-sound device
A white-sound device can be used to mask sounds from scans. This device was used to eliminate the heartbeats of all Enterprise crew in an effort to determine whether Benjamin Finney, presumed to be dead, was hiding on board the ship. (TOS: Court Martial)
Contributed by: Clare Bradley
Wormhole
A space-time anomaly that connects two points that may be far away from each other within normal space. Wormholes are either natural phenomena, or they have been constructed by superior lifeforms or accidentally generated because of warp drive malfunctions.
Only one stable wormhole is known, leading from the Bajoran system to the Gamma Quadrant, allowing starships to cross the distance of 90,000 LY in an instant. This wormhole has been artificially constructed by supernatural beings whom the Bajorans refer to as Prophets.
