Potential Design Flaw Could Be Responsible for the Ill-fated Fate of the Titan Submarine

**The Deadly Implosion of the Titan Submersible: Questions About Design and Safety**

The Titan submersible, which was exploring the wreckage of the Titanic, recently suffered a deadly implosion. This tragic incident has raised concerns about the vessel’s unconventional design and the creator’s refusal to undergo independent checks. In this article, we will delve into the details of this event and examine the potential reasons behind the submersible’s failure.

**The Fate of the Titan Submersible and its Crew**

All five individuals on board the Titan submersible lost their lives when the vessel was crushed near the Titanic wreckage in the North Atlantic. The U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. John Mauger confirmed this heartbreaking outcome, marking the end of a multinational search operation that began when the submersible lost contact with its mother ship.

**Unconventional Design Choices**

Owned and operated by OceanGate Expeditions, the Titan submersible stood out due to its unique design. Unlike most submersibles that feature titanium sphere-shaped cabins, the Titan boasted a roomier cylinder-shaped cabin made of carbon fiber. While this departure from convention provided a more spacious internal volume, it also subjected the submersible to greater external pressure.

**Concerns Over Increased Pressure Loads and Structural Fatigue**

Experts have voiced concerns about the elongated cabin space in the Titan submersible, highlighting the potential increase in pressure loads and structural fatigue. The midsections of the vessel, subjected to higher pressure, are more susceptible to fatigue and delamination loads. Fatigue can be compared to bending a wire back and forth until it breaks, while delamination is akin to splitting wood along the grain.

Moreover, the Titan submersible’s 5-inch thick hull had experienced repeated stress during its previous twenty-four dives. As a result, tiny cracks gradually formed in the structure, which may have gone undetected but eventually led to critical and uncontrollable growth.

**The Limitations of Carbon Fiber Construction**

OceanGate emphasized the advantages of the Titan’s carbon fiber construction on its website. However, experts warn that carbon composites have limited lifespans when subjected to excessive loads or poor design that causes stress concentrations. Although composites are generally tough and long-lasting, their failure modes differ from other materials, making them vulnerable under certain circumstances.

**Refusal of Third-Party Scrutiny**

OceanGate faced criticism for its resistance to third-party scrutiny during the development of the Titan submersible. In a lawsuit filed in 2018 by David Lochridge, the then-director of marine operations at OceanGate, it was highlighted that the company’s testing and certification processes were insufficient and potentially put passengers in extreme danger. Lochridge advocated for nondestructive testing, such as ultrasonic scans, but the company disregarded these recommendations.

Ultrasonic testing is crucial in identifying areas where composites are deteriorating, enabling the assessment of structural integrity. Various organizations, including the Marine Technology Society, expressed concern about the lack of third-party examination, as it increases the likelihood of oversight and potential safety hazards.

**The Controversy Surrounding Certification and Classification**

OceanGate defended its decision to forgo third-party certification processes, arguing that they are time-consuming and hinder innovation. However, experts highlight the importance of seeking external expertise to ensure compliance with industry standards. Failure to do so, as seen in the case of the Titan submersible, can have disastrous consequences.

Renowned undersea explorer Robert Ballard, credited with the discovery of the Titanic wreckage in 1985, referred to the lack of outside certification and classification as a “smoking gun” in the submersible’s failure. He emphasized that incidents of this nature are rare and suggested that the failure of the composite hull likely played a significant role.

**Possible Causes of the Submersible’s Failure**

James Cameron, the director of the film “Titanic” and an experienced deep-sea explorer, weighed in on the possible reasons for the Titan submersible’s implosion. While there could be multiple factors at play, Cameron believes that the failure of the composite hull is the most likely cause. He points out that composites are not typically used for vessels subjected to external pressure.

**In Conclusion**

The disastrous implosion of the Titan submersible during its exploration of the Titanic wreckage raises important questions about design choices, safety measures, and the importance of third-party scrutiny. This incident serves as a reminder that adherence to industry standards and thorough testing are crucial to ensure the safety of explorers in the depths of the ocean. Innovation should always be balanced with proper evaluation and certification processes to mitigate potential risks.