On Fri, Sep 5, 2014 at 6:16 PM, Dave <deltadave@usa.net> wrote:

As always, as tech increases the size of individual components shrinks, but there are more of them.  Increasing complexity in monitoring and trying to wring the last few percent of performance from a given power source at higher tech levels would IMO lead to more interconnects, not less.  Think of the evolution of the internal combustion engine - in the late 19th century, there were only a few feet of wiring in any given vehicle. That has grown to the point now that many cars have miles of wire connecting the various systems - emissions control, engine monitoring & optimization, accessories controls - up to 8 or 9 different systems.   

I've never really bought into the Star Trek conception of engineering spaces, especially on a warship where battle damage is expected and planned for.

Dave

I would go with your statement until the tech takes a big jump. To go with your engine analogy take a look at this new motor. It is smaller, better and lighter and simpler than current tech.

http://www.gizmag.com/duke-engines-axial/33631/

I was thinking that the tech might look like modern medical tech like MRI, CT, PET etc. This might be a good source of models to place in your engineering space as well. 

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