Relativity, Time Dilation and multiple reference frames

I am doing some hard sci-fi worldbuilding and really want to get as much correct as I can, but the effects of high sub-light speed travel on the travellers is doing my head in. I've pored literally over 100 hours over reading, video and podcasts on time dilation, special and general relativity, the twin 'paradox' etc etc. Most of these sources are particle physicists of some kind but I'm getting conflicting or incomplete information (also entirely likely I've just not understood). So, here I am praying for your help! I don't need the math, just a clear understanding of the physics.

The Context:

3 people on a space station travelling at a constant velocity. Emily, Max and Beth. Dave is on a distant planet. Assume no acceleration for anyone at the moment.

Emily remains on the space station.

Max travels away from the space station in a straight line at 90% light speed. His destination (Dave) is 10 light years away.

Beth travels away from the space station in a straight line at 70% light speed, but at a 45' angle to Max.

Question 1: (One-way with constant velocity) When Max arrives at Dave, what time has passed for Emily, Max, Beth and Dave?

Question 2: (Return with constant velocity) Max reaches Dave and immediately returns. When Max arrives back at Emily, what time has passed for Emily, Max, Beth and Dave?

Question 3: (One-way with acceleration) Max and Beth accelerate at 1G. When Max arrives at Dave, what time has passed for Emily, Max, Beth and Dave?

Question 4: (Return with acceleration) Max and Beth accelerate at 1G. Max reaches Dave and immediately returns. When Max arrives back at Emily, what time has passed for Emily, Max, Beth and Dave?

Here's hoping you clever-cats can set me straight! Many thanks!

posted almost 5 years ago

Budders‭

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