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Is a force field rigid ? :-) | by SciSSorS | 2011-08-29 08:28:26 |
| It would depend on the type of technomancy. |
by OddParity |
2011-08-29 10:01:27 |
In most sci-fi settings, the force field is literally a physical field (magnetic, electrical, other) exerting a force on impinging objects. The field is stationary relative to the field generator creating it, and therefore would only move if the generator moved or changed its output somehow. Now since these are physical fields, the laws of physics apply. The field generator will experience an equal and opposite reaction force whenever it exerts a force on any object within the field. As for the effects of static fluid pressure, the forces from all directions would balance and sum to zero. The force field behaves like an ordinary pressure vessel.
But what if the field is magical, that is, the forces arise from anything other than purely physical interactions? Well then it's entirely up to the laws of the author's imagination. In one universe, the force field is actually a elastic membrane being pushed out in all directions by some kind of magical Energy. Exerting static pressure might expand or collapse the bubble until the Energy per unit area reaches equilibrium with the pressure. In another universe, a rigid wall of semi-transparent substance forms. The wall is somehow anchored in the aether of the universe so that it does not move. Static pressure can continue to build with no apparent effect until it exceeds the yield strength of the material, resulting in catastrophic failure. In yet another universe, the boundary is semi-permeable for small enough particles in the right energy range. Fluids slowly leak in or out, relieving any pressure or vacuum. |
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