In the most recent tragic incident, OceanGate’s Titan submarine suffered a catastrophic implosion, killing all five people on board.
The submarine was about to go on an expedition to visit the wreck of the Titanic when the fatal event happened. This event raised serious questions about the causes of this tragedy.
Implosion is a phenomenon that occurs when a submarine’s internal pressure exceeds the resistance of the hull, releasing an overwhelming amount of energy and killing the occupants instantly.
How did the implosion happen?
Photo: OceanGate; Twitter/Playback
The resistance of a submarine’s hull to extreme sea conditions depends on its design and the materials used in its construction.
Traditional materials such as steel, titanium and aluminum have typically proven effective in withstanding high underwater pressures. However, an experimental approach was taken with the hull of the Titan submarine, using predominantly carbon fibers.
While these fibers are known for their light weight and ability to provide more interior space, their suitability for use in marine environments remains to be seen.
Unlike titanium, which is elastic and adapts well to changes in pressure, carbon fiber is rigid and inflexible and cannot maintain elasticity during deep dives.
Therefore, the combination of these materials with different properties can compromise the integrity of the hull and lead to implosions like those seen in Titan subjected to a pressure of 400 kg per square centimeter.
Implosion occurs when layers of carbon fiber reinforcement separate due to intense underwater pressure, a phenomenon known as “delamination”. On deep dives, the pressure is overwhelming and hits the sub quickly, resulting in implosion in less than a second.
In light of this tragic event, it is obvious that rigorous testing must be carried out and the materials used in the construction of submarines must be carefully selected.
The use of unproven materials, such as carbon fiber in the case of titanium, should be approached with caution and subject to further scrutiny. Exploring the deep sea requires an approach that prioritizes safety in the face of extreme sea pressure.