A subspace rupture occurs when subspace itself rips into normal space causing distortions in spatial fabric. Subspace ruptures can prevent faster-than-light travel and damage matter compounds via subspace compression. (TNG: "Force of Nature")
This can be applied to subspace bubbles that surround starships during warp-travel. If the field is ruptured when a ship is traveling at warp speed it will cause the vessel to rapidly decelerate. Should a ship traveling at high warp rupture its subspace field, the massive deceleration from high warp to slower-than-light speed could cause damage the ship itself, or even destruction.
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