Boston: it is believed that the Titan submersible was destroyed by a "catastrophic implosion" of immense force and speed, which can be attributed to the overwhelming water pressure exerted on the ocean floor. The Titanic's wreckage currently resides on the seabed of the North Atlantic, resting at an approximate depth of 3,800 meters (12,400 feet). While atmospheric pressure at sea level measures around 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi), the water pressure at the location of the ocean liner is equivalent to roughly 400 atmospheres, amounting to nearly 6,000 psi.
A catastrophic implosion is a sudden and violent collapse of a pressure vessel. This can happen when the pressure inside the vessel exceeds the strength of the material that the vessel is made of. The Titanic submersible that imploded on June 18, 2023, was a pressure vessel. It was made of a strong material, but the pressure inside the vessel was too great, and it collapsed.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to a catastrophic implosion. These include:
- Overpressurization: This is the most common cause of catastrophic implosions. It can happen when the pressure inside a vessel is increased too quickly or when the vessel is not designed to withstand the pressure that it is subjected to.
- Depressurization: This can happen when the pressure inside a vessel is suddenly reduced. This can cause the vessel to collapse if the material that the vessel is made of is not strong enough to withstand the sudden change in pressure.
- Structural defects: These can weaken a pressure vessel and make it more likely to implode. Structural defects can be caused by manufacturing errors, wear and tear, or corrosion.
Catastrophic implosions can be very dangerous. They can release large amounts of energy and cause significant damage. The Titanic submersible implosion killed all five people on board.
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent catastrophic implosions. These include:
- Designing pressure vessels to withstand the pressures that they will be subjected to.
- Using high-quality materials to build pressure vessels.
- Inspecting pressure vessels regularly for signs of damage.
- Following proper procedures when operating pressure vessels.