Buffer ARK

The Buffer ARK is a special ARK with no underlying protocol and is not yield bearing. The Buffer ARK acts as an exit and entry point for user assets. On entry, funds are held in the Buffer until a Keeper instructs the Fleet Commander to commit funds to a specific ARK. On exit, the Buffer ARK provides a low-gas-cost withdrawal option for users. This ARK is intended to maintain a small balance of funds relative to the Fleet's TVL. This helps keep withdrawals cheap for the majority - especially those with smaller balances.

Beyond the basic functionality of the Buffer ARK there are two behaviours that require explanation. 1) In the event the Buffer ARK lacks sufficient balance to fulfil a user's withdrawal request then a user can still withdraw using a Fleet's forced withdrawal ability. Forced withdrawals can withdraw assets directly from ARKs but are more expensive in terms of gas. 2) Certain ARKs cannot support forced withdrawals - such as those that require a swap on entry and exit. Given this limitation, there are edge cases where large users may be unable to withdraw all their funds in a single transaction - even with a forced withdrawal. Although, this should only affect the largest users and only if their balances represent a significant majority of a Fleet's total-value-locked (TVL). This scenario is also dependent on what portion of a Fleet's TVL is in ARKs that do not support forced withdrawals.