MOBILE SUIT ANALYSIS AND DEVELOPMENT-THE ZAKU-II
May 7, 2017 21:05:55 GMT
thorneel, jonen, and 1 more like this
Post by argonbalt on May 7, 2017 21:05:55 GMT
SECTION 1
SECTION 1/A
Thesis:
For a long time now i have been a pretty adamant fan of the long running Mobile Suit Gundam. Gundam has been pretty unique in it's rough dedication to two very interesting and tantalising items to physics nerds. 1 It roughly adheres to a system of Newtonian physics instead of just ignoring them(Star Wars) or outright technobabling over their problems(Star Trek). This includes characters bound to zero-G, the use of O'Neill cylinders etc. 2 It deals with the sociopolitical implications of space colonisation and civilisation in a very localised and "near future" setting( a network of space colonies and Lunar cities).
So with that in mind thanks to Q-switched and his development of this game we finally have a means of dedicated space warfare platform. After several months of enjoying this and working with the systems at hand i thought "Why now is the time for a formal analysis of mobile suits!" Of course i had my own suspicions(many of which were confirmed) through this testing, but never the less i believe this is both an interesting piece of science to do for three main reasons:1 The formal analysis of the popular humanoid combat frame from Gundam an item of nerd culture. 2 A learning point for those who want to include mechanised humanoids in their stories with some degree of scientific basis for what and how they function. 3 finally as a means towards engineering a possibly "realistic" version.
This whole project was a fun experience to see what happens when "Rule of cool" collides head on with applied practical physics.
SECTION 1/B
ZAKU-2(MS-06F Zaku II)
Overview from gundam.wikia.com/wiki/MS-06F_Zaku_II
Technical Specifications
Classification
Mass Production General-Purpose Mobile Suit
Model Number
MS-06F
Official Name
Zaku II
量産型ザクII
Head Height
17.5 m
Base Weight
58.1 t
Full Weight
73.3 t
Power Source
Ultracompact Minovsky Fusion Reactor
Generator Output
951 kW
Armor Material
Super Hard Steel Alloy
Total Thrust
2 x 20500 kg
2 x 1000 kg
Maximum Acceleration
0.59 G
Maximum Speed
88 km/h
180° Attitude Change Time
1.7 s
Effective Sensor Radius
3200 m
Crew
Pilot only (in standard cockpit in torso (later refitted and replica units equipped with panoramic monitor/linear seat cockpit))
Standard Armaments
Fixed
Shoulder Shield
Handheld
ZMP-50D/120mm Machine Gun
Heat Hawk Type5
Optional Armaments
Fixed
2 x 3-tube Missile Pod
Gatling Shield
-75mm Gatling Gun
Handheld
MMP-80 90mm Machine Gun
-Grenade Launcher
H&L-SB25K/280mmA-P Zaku Bazooka
4 x MIP-B6 Cracker Grenade
Sturm Faust
SECTION 1/C BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The MS-06F Zaku II is one of many variants of the MS-06 Zaku II series of Mobile Suits. The MS-06F was the most produced mobile suit during the One Year War, with 3,246 units built during the war. The MS-06F was piloted by top-scoring Zeon MS aces, as well as by the highest-scoring Zeon ace in the war. It first appears in the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam.
Contents[show]
Technology & Combat Characteristics
The MS-06C Zaku II Early Production Type was heavily armored, which made it heavy and difficult to maneuver. However, further research and development would lead to the creation of a lighter, improved model designated the F-Type Zaku II. The F-Type would quickly become the definitive version of the Zaku II, and all future variants would begin from the F-type as a baseline. Because of the Antarctic Treaty, the F-type lacks the radiation shielding of its predecessor.
The Principality of Zeon saw great potential within the unit for having it perform in various mission roles. The Zeon Military forces produced successful designs, decent designs, and utter failures from the basic Zaku II design. Vice Admiral Dozle Zabi had his own custom Zaku II, which he took out into the Battle of Loum. His MS-06F Zaku II had ornate engravings and markings, double shoulder spiked armor, and lastly, a gigantic Heat Hawk. Even the youngest Zabi son, Garma Zabi had his own Zaku II, the MS-06FS Zaku II. This slight variation of the Zaku II design featured twin 30mm vulcan guns.
SECTION 2
COMPONENT BREAK DOWN
SECTION 2/A
TL/DR VERSION:
Holy shit they were outright drunk when they made those stats, because i'll be frank the Zaku-2 as it stands is outright terrible, as both a vehicle of war and a space craft. "Well duh it was designed to be cool so wha!" Shush shush i know, but before we can do any real fixing we first need to look at what and how things are now so as to progress and draw specific conclusions.
SECTION 2/B
COMPONENT 1
THE MINOVSKY-IONESCO ULTRA COMPACT FUSION REACTOR
Inside of Gundam the Minovsky reactor is described as having a D+3He reaction, this helps us in both designing and analysing the reactor. From the official stats we know the Zaku-II had a power supply of 951 Kw. From (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_energy_conversion) Efficiency of 48% is possible for the D-E-C method of production, this works for our model. For radiation percentage:
Reaction MeV /fusion TJ/ kg % Thermal % Neutrons % Radiation 1000 MW turn g/s L-C A-N Exhaust velocity
D + 3He ⇒ 4He+p 18.3 353.23 75% 5% 20% 0.002831 16 YES 8.9%c
From (http://www.projectrho.com/public_html/rocket/fusionfuel.php#hb)
The reason for using H as a coolant is due the fact that if circulated as a neutron absorber it could possibly bond to create new D atoms acting as a breeder reactor.
Notes: Well from just the initial design i can say quite a bit. First off the Zaku-II power supply is laughably small. If any of you have been on the forums long enough you will know that for the size of a bath tub you could squeeze out as much as a megawatt. In Universe the reactor is radiation-less, but as this is an attempt at modelling it realistically we see that in total more energy exits as thermal and combined neutron radiation than does actual electricity. This power issue dramatically back ends into the rest of the parts and needs of the suit. My estimation is that it sounded quite impressive when compared to modern military vehicle power output(The Honeywell AGT1500 puts out 1,120 kW) while not realising the massive amounts of power necessary to do things in space)
SECTION 2/C
ZAKU MAIN DRIVE
Now designing this was a a bit more open. No major specifications on the Zaku engines really exist outside of total thrust, however as mentioned above the power issue bites you in the ass here. You see the original listing of thrusters on the Zaku stats the following:" 2 x 20500 kg
2 x 1000 kg
". I will assume this means 2 back pack thrusters being the primary and two feet thrusters. As the main thrusters in Gundam typically sit in the backpack area i presume those are the 20Kn ones. I decided to use Deuterium over Helion as while still rare it is far more plentiful than Helion in relation to solar system extraction potential. I also utilised a resisto-jet because while magnetic botteling the fusion into a thrust plume is theoretically possible, most MI-UCFR illustrations utilise a toroidal fusion basis\/. In addition the cables on the Zaku are regularly called power lines, not plasma distributors or funnels/Channels.
Notes: Now you might see were the problems start if you see the power necessary. Even after pushing the power to over 99% total reactor output i am only able to juice up half of the statistical thrust recorded for the Zaku. Dropping the power while jacking up the injector speed does not heat up the Deutrium enough to maintain thrust. On another note, i suspect that similarly to how the acceleration is measured in what i assume are Earth-standard 9.8 m/s G's, this thrust might actually be 200900kg of the main backpack thrusters if adjusted for Earth use. Of course the problem of the thruster then becomes nearly ten times worse in terms of it's statistical output.
SECTION 2/D
COCKPIT
Ironically enough this might be simultaneously the most realistic and easiest to integrate and least necessary component. As has been discussed here multiple times the need for a manned combat unit is pretty bad compared to the alternatives of remote operation (this even came up in Gundam as the Elmeth would prove with it's mobile bits). At the same time it is a component which can actually operate within the limits of the power supply. I heightened and lengthened the typical 1 person hab section to account for the spacious interiors the zaku is portrayed as having, i also bumped up the power requirements as the Zaku usually has a large number of scanners and systems operating beyond life support.
Notes: Basically as i said, simultaneously a component which if properly rad shielded can be fully powered and work, while simultaneously being completely replaceable with a smaller cheaper remote control.
Cont in SECTION 2/E soon.
SECTION 1/A
Thesis:
For a long time now i have been a pretty adamant fan of the long running Mobile Suit Gundam. Gundam has been pretty unique in it's rough dedication to two very interesting and tantalising items to physics nerds. 1 It roughly adheres to a system of Newtonian physics instead of just ignoring them(Star Wars) or outright technobabling over their problems(Star Trek). This includes characters bound to zero-G, the use of O'Neill cylinders etc. 2 It deals with the sociopolitical implications of space colonisation and civilisation in a very localised and "near future" setting( a network of space colonies and Lunar cities).
So with that in mind thanks to Q-switched and his development of this game we finally have a means of dedicated space warfare platform. After several months of enjoying this and working with the systems at hand i thought "Why now is the time for a formal analysis of mobile suits!" Of course i had my own suspicions(many of which were confirmed) through this testing, but never the less i believe this is both an interesting piece of science to do for three main reasons:1 The formal analysis of the popular humanoid combat frame from Gundam an item of nerd culture. 2 A learning point for those who want to include mechanised humanoids in their stories with some degree of scientific basis for what and how they function. 3 finally as a means towards engineering a possibly "realistic" version.
This whole project was a fun experience to see what happens when "Rule of cool" collides head on with applied practical physics.
SECTION 1/B
ZAKU-2(MS-06F Zaku II)
Overview from gundam.wikia.com/wiki/MS-06F_Zaku_II
Technical Specifications
Classification
Mass Production General-Purpose Mobile Suit
Model Number
MS-06F
Official Name
Zaku II
量産型ザクII
Head Height
17.5 m
Base Weight
58.1 t
Full Weight
73.3 t
Power Source
Ultracompact Minovsky Fusion Reactor
Generator Output
951 kW
Armor Material
Super Hard Steel Alloy
Total Thrust
2 x 20500 kg
2 x 1000 kg
Maximum Acceleration
0.59 G
Maximum Speed
88 km/h
180° Attitude Change Time
1.7 s
Effective Sensor Radius
3200 m
Crew
Pilot only (in standard cockpit in torso (later refitted and replica units equipped with panoramic monitor/linear seat cockpit))
Standard Armaments
Fixed
Shoulder Shield
Handheld
ZMP-50D/120mm Machine Gun
Heat Hawk Type5
Optional Armaments
Fixed
2 x 3-tube Missile Pod
Gatling Shield
-75mm Gatling Gun
Handheld
MMP-80 90mm Machine Gun
-Grenade Launcher
H&L-SB25K/280mmA-P Zaku Bazooka
4 x MIP-B6 Cracker Grenade
Sturm Faust
SECTION 1/C BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The MS-06F Zaku II is one of many variants of the MS-06 Zaku II series of Mobile Suits. The MS-06F was the most produced mobile suit during the One Year War, with 3,246 units built during the war. The MS-06F was piloted by top-scoring Zeon MS aces, as well as by the highest-scoring Zeon ace in the war. It first appears in the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam.
Contents[show]
Technology & Combat Characteristics
The MS-06C Zaku II Early Production Type was heavily armored, which made it heavy and difficult to maneuver. However, further research and development would lead to the creation of a lighter, improved model designated the F-Type Zaku II. The F-Type would quickly become the definitive version of the Zaku II, and all future variants would begin from the F-type as a baseline. Because of the Antarctic Treaty, the F-type lacks the radiation shielding of its predecessor.
The Principality of Zeon saw great potential within the unit for having it perform in various mission roles. The Zeon Military forces produced successful designs, decent designs, and utter failures from the basic Zaku II design. Vice Admiral Dozle Zabi had his own custom Zaku II, which he took out into the Battle of Loum. His MS-06F Zaku II had ornate engravings and markings, double shoulder spiked armor, and lastly, a gigantic Heat Hawk. Even the youngest Zabi son, Garma Zabi had his own Zaku II, the MS-06FS Zaku II. This slight variation of the Zaku II design featured twin 30mm vulcan guns.
SECTION 2
COMPONENT BREAK DOWN
SECTION 2/A
TL/DR VERSION:
Holy shit they were outright drunk when they made those stats, because i'll be frank the Zaku-2 as it stands is outright terrible, as both a vehicle of war and a space craft. "Well duh it was designed to be cool so wha!" Shush shush i know, but before we can do any real fixing we first need to look at what and how things are now so as to progress and draw specific conclusions.
SECTION 2/B
COMPONENT 1
THE MINOVSKY-IONESCO ULTRA COMPACT FUSION REACTOR
Inside of Gundam the Minovsky reactor is described as having a D+3He reaction, this helps us in both designing and analysing the reactor. From the official stats we know the Zaku-II had a power supply of 951 Kw. From (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_energy_conversion) Efficiency of 48% is possible for the D-E-C method of production, this works for our model. For radiation percentage:
Reaction MeV /fusion TJ/ kg % Thermal % Neutrons % Radiation 1000 MW turn g/s L-C A-N Exhaust velocity
D + 3He ⇒ 4He+p 18.3 353.23 75% 5% 20% 0.002831 16 YES 8.9%c
From (http://www.projectrho.com/public_html/rocket/fusionfuel.php#hb)
The reason for using H as a coolant is due the fact that if circulated as a neutron absorber it could possibly bond to create new D atoms acting as a breeder reactor.
Notes: Well from just the initial design i can say quite a bit. First off the Zaku-II power supply is laughably small. If any of you have been on the forums long enough you will know that for the size of a bath tub you could squeeze out as much as a megawatt. In Universe the reactor is radiation-less, but as this is an attempt at modelling it realistically we see that in total more energy exits as thermal and combined neutron radiation than does actual electricity. This power issue dramatically back ends into the rest of the parts and needs of the suit. My estimation is that it sounded quite impressive when compared to modern military vehicle power output(The Honeywell AGT1500 puts out 1,120 kW) while not realising the massive amounts of power necessary to do things in space)
SECTION 2/C
ZAKU MAIN DRIVE
Now designing this was a a bit more open. No major specifications on the Zaku engines really exist outside of total thrust, however as mentioned above the power issue bites you in the ass here. You see the original listing of thrusters on the Zaku stats the following:" 2 x 20500 kg
2 x 1000 kg
". I will assume this means 2 back pack thrusters being the primary and two feet thrusters. As the main thrusters in Gundam typically sit in the backpack area i presume those are the 20Kn ones. I decided to use Deuterium over Helion as while still rare it is far more plentiful than Helion in relation to solar system extraction potential. I also utilised a resisto-jet because while magnetic botteling the fusion into a thrust plume is theoretically possible, most MI-UCFR illustrations utilise a toroidal fusion basis\/. In addition the cables on the Zaku are regularly called power lines, not plasma distributors or funnels/Channels.
Notes: Now you might see were the problems start if you see the power necessary. Even after pushing the power to over 99% total reactor output i am only able to juice up half of the statistical thrust recorded for the Zaku. Dropping the power while jacking up the injector speed does not heat up the Deutrium enough to maintain thrust. On another note, i suspect that similarly to how the acceleration is measured in what i assume are Earth-standard 9.8 m/s G's, this thrust might actually be 200900kg of the main backpack thrusters if adjusted for Earth use. Of course the problem of the thruster then becomes nearly ten times worse in terms of it's statistical output.
SECTION 2/D
COCKPIT
Ironically enough this might be simultaneously the most realistic and easiest to integrate and least necessary component. As has been discussed here multiple times the need for a manned combat unit is pretty bad compared to the alternatives of remote operation (this even came up in Gundam as the Elmeth would prove with it's mobile bits). At the same time it is a component which can actually operate within the limits of the power supply. I heightened and lengthened the typical 1 person hab section to account for the spacious interiors the zaku is portrayed as having, i also bumped up the power requirements as the Zaku usually has a large number of scanners and systems operating beyond life support.
Notes: Basically as i said, simultaneously a component which if properly rad shielded can be fully powered and work, while simultaneously being completely replaceable with a smaller cheaper remote control.
Cont in SECTION 2/E soon.
which pleasantly enough mirror many of our explosive flak missile war heads while providing a 360 shrapnel burst. Similarly the Zaku's Heat Hawk 
While laughable as a melee weapon(you will not get close enough in space combat and even if you did super heating a metal to melt another metal is pretty dumb considering that generally lowers the strength and deforms the blade) could be re-tooled to simply deliver the suits voltage into the hull coupled with a decent reactor you could short circuit an entire ship after it was disabled. 
You open your bathroom door and see this on the ceiling.