I suppose it is whatever fits the fancy of the production crew. I assume the ring shape also creates a stable warp field. Interestingly enough, I think the Defiant had the most function design.
I always really enjoyed when they would separate the saucer section in TNG, the whole 2(?) times they did it. I always thought that was a really cool concept and i liked the sleekness of the little warp fighter with the battle bridge.
In TOS design logic, ships need two warp nacelles spaced left and right
nacelles arranged like this has mostly been followed for the rest of Trek.
I’m aware. There has never been a requirement for a saucer, even in TOS, and I did not say that. But the nacelles are arranged at the extremes of the ships, even in compact designs in later Trek, which does follow the established logic. Vulcan rings are a rare exception to the left and right nacelles - covered under the word “mostly”.
I was mostly just trying to provide some examples other designs. You are completely correct most ships (especially Earth ones) are the classic saucer design.
If you are small enough there is no saucer.
Also the Vulkan ships have a ring.
I suppose it is whatever fits the fancy of the production crew. I assume the ring shape also creates a stable warp field. Interestingly enough, I think the Defiant had the most function design.
I always really enjoyed when they would separate the saucer section in TNG, the whole 2(?) times they did it. I always thought that was a really cool concept and i liked the sleekness of the little warp fighter with the battle bridge.
I’m aware. There has never been a requirement for a saucer, even in TOS, and I did not say that. But the nacelles are arranged at the extremes of the ships, even in compact designs in later Trek, which does follow the established logic. Vulcan rings are a rare exception to the left and right nacelles - covered under the word “mostly”.
I was mostly just trying to provide some examples other designs. You are completely correct most ships (especially Earth ones) are the classic saucer design.