The Relationship
between Warp, Subspace and 'Normal Space' is always the
most difficult concept to grasp when discussing Stellar
Physics. Subspace is simple the 'substrate' on which our
universe exists. The "subspace barrier" is the albeit
flimsy dividing line between the two continuums and a
'Subspace Field' is either a natural or artificial intrusion
of Subspace into 'Normal Space'
How
can a ship move faster than the speed of light if its
beyond the laws of natural physics.?
First we must
understand that each point in subspace coincides with
and equal point in 'Normal Space', then we will examine
a simplified structure of what subspace would look like.
Imagine the universe as a series of spheres, one nested
inside the other.

Observation
shows us that each layer of Subspace is smaller as you
approach the center. When traveling through subspace,
as in Warp, you don't actually move faster put the distance
is smaller. It can be said, in error mind you, that you
bend or warp 'Normal Space' to make it smaller.
The
closer we sink towards the central point, the shorter
the distance traveled. Subspace is like a pressurized
fluid contained within a balloon of normal space. Causing
a rupture in the skin allows subspace to come gushing
out, explaining the importance of the Warp 5 speed limit.
If subspace were to leak out, eventually normal space
would collapse just like a balloon with the air let out.
How
does a ship accelerate at faster than light?
A
powerful, asymmetric subspace field is established around
the ship by the warp nacelles. This 'Warp Field'
wraps around the ship in a two-lobed bubble, with the
locus at Main engineering (by design). The shape of the
ship determines the efficiency of the field, and this
explains why the Starships have such a sleek design. Meanwhile,
the subspace field reduces the inertial mass of the ship,
aiding in maneuvering.
In fact, a small subspace field is kept around the ship
at Impulse speeds, so the Impulse drives have less mass
to push around. However, this is only a side effect and
is NOT the mechanism used to allow FTL travel.
The
subspace field forces the ship to take on the reference
frame of subspace itself, which is a special reference
frame, circumventing the limits of Special Relativity.
So if an artificial Subspace field can mimic true Subspace
and allow FTL travel by Warping 'Normal Space' and Relative
Distances, what keeps a ship from accelerating into infinitely.
Simply a subspace field must be sustained with energy.
Without constant energy the Field decays and the vessel
slips back into 'Normal Space'.
This
is the Basis of Subspace, Warp Field and FTL Travel. The
reality of is as varied and 'Normal Space'. With Subspace
Implosions, Inverted Subspace Warp Field and Static Warp
Bubbles....ETC Applications of Subspace theory is infinity
complex.