Escape Velocity mechanism

Model scope

The mathematical formula is correct for escape speed from radial distance r in an ideal two-body model. Verdict is NEEDS_REVIEW because the spec does not explicitly define r = radius + altitude, does not specify units, and leaves the GM-versus-G-and-mass input representation ambiguous. The empty honest_label is not adequate: the product should state that this is idealized two-body escape speed and identify the radius/reference model used for presets.

• The formula v_esc = sqrt(2GM/r) is standard, but the spec does not define how the supplied altitude is incorporated. For a body radius R and altitude h, the required distance is r = R + h, measured from the body's center.
• The formula requires either G and mass M or the gravitational parameter μ = GM; the spec lists GM in its data needs but does not state whether the implementation substitutes μ directly.
• The instrument must constrain mass M > 0, radius R > 0, and altitude h >= 0 unless subsurface locations are intentionally supported.

Units and conventions

• Use a single consistent unit system, preferably SI: G in m^3 kg^-1 s^-2, mass in kg, radius and altitude in m, and output in m/s.
• Altitude is radial height above the selected reference radius, so r = radius + altitude.
• If using gravitational parameter μ, μ must be in m^3/s^2 and the formula is v_esc = sqrt(2μ/r).
• The listed GM and radius values must correspond to the same body reference model and unit system.

Inspectable vector

One of 4 source-bound review vectors:

{
  "inputs": {
    "body": "Earth",
    "gravitational_parameter_m3_per_s2": 398600441800000,
    "radius_m": 6371000,
    "altitude_m": 0
  },
  "expected_outputs": {
    "escape_velocity_m_per_s": 11186.14
  },
  "working": "r = R + h = 6,371,000 + 0 = 6,371,000 m\nv = sqrt(2μ/r) = sqrt((2 × 398,600,441,800,000) / 6,371,000)\n= sqrt(7.972008836 × 10^14 / 6.371 × 10^6)\n= sqrt(1.251296317 × 10^8)\n= 11,186.14 m/s"
}

Failure boundary

BREAK_CLAIMED · SELF_FLAGGED

The specification does not define altitude units, sign convention, or required behavior for h<=-R. Inputs at h=-R produce division by zero, and inputs below that limit produce a negative square-root argument. The formula also has no actual physical branch, so domain handling must be implemented explicitly.

Other records

Sources and evidence

These pointers bind the page to evidence. They do not grant authority or collapse verification into deployment.

• VERIFIED_LEDGER.json
• evidence-tranche4/tranche4-results.json
• BOUNDARY_HAZARD_CATALOG.json