XPost: talk.politics.misc, alt.science, alt.politics
XPost: alt.politics.usa

https://techxplore.com/news/2023-06-unconventional-titan-destined-disaster.html

The deadly implosion of the Titan submersible raises questions
about whether the vessel exploring the Titanic wreckage was
destined for disaster because of its unconventional design
and its creator's refusal to submit to independent checks
that are standard in the industry.

. . .

This is a more engineering-related analysis of why
the sub failed.

It's much as I've said in a few other postings - the
cylindrical shape was NOT ideal at such depths. Also
the carbon/epoxy hull was sure to suffer delamination,
'creep' and micro-fractures. Hey, epoxy is, well,
PLASTIC after all. The carbon fiber was strong, but
not what was sticking it all together.

Not sure if there's any way to combine carbon fiber
with metals - I think the temperature of molten metal
would destroy the carbon. MAYBE an aluminum/mag alloy
under an inert atmosphere ??? Certainly not steel or
titanium. Hmmm ... but additive construction methods
MIGHT be able to coat carbon with metals without
exceeding critical temperatures - vapor-dep ???

Previous passengers had noted 'cracking' sounds in
the sub during descent. Those were probably REAL,
and a sign of impending doom.

Anyway, just 12 dives and SQUISH !

OTOH ... this is NOT an excuse to micro-reg everything
on the high seas. Those passengers kinda knew the risk,
paid their money, signed the waivers. Their choice.
Some REJECTED their "chance" after looking at the sub.
Some, like Josh Gates, rejected a 2nd ride. James
Cameron - sort of an expert here - strongly advised
against using this sub, and some DID listen.

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