The Scientific Principles behind the Titan Tragedy

 by Harvey Xu

The tragic events that unfolded in the Titan submersible incident serve as a stark reminder of the extreme conditions found within the ocean’s mysterious depths. To comprehend the tragic incident, we must first understand the science behind how a submarine, a vessel designed to withstand immense pressures, can undergo catastrophic implosion. 

At its core, the fate of a submarine depends largely on pressure. While we might take our conditions on earth for granted, beneath the ocean surface the world operates under drastically different rules. As you descend beneath the waves, the pressure increases exponentially; for every 10 metres you descend, pressure increases by an additional atmosphere (approximately 14.7 psi). Submarines and submersibles like the Titan, with their steel or titanium hulls, are engineered to endure these extreme pressures, providing a safe and hospitable environment for their crew even at great depths. However, the safety of these underwater vessels is primarily contingent on one critical principle: pressure balance. 

The structure of a submarine is specifically designed to maintain a balanced internal and external pressure. The internal pressure is generally maintained in one atmosphere, similar to the conditions we experience on the surface. On the outside, the ocean exerts a massive pressure which increases with depth. To counteract this, the submarine’s hull must be strong enough to withstand this difference without collapsing. This is a concept known as ‘crush depth’. Crush depth is essentially the point at which the submarine’s hull can no longer withstand the difference between the internal and external pressure. Should a submarine exceed its crush depth, the immense pressure from the surrounding water will cause the hull to buckle and ultimately collapse or implode. 

This, therefore, is where the science behind submarine implosions interacts with the Titan submarine. Implosion is a violent, destructive event resulting from a difference in pressure. As the external pressure exceeds the internal pressure, the hull collapses inward at a velocity that can reach the speed of sound in water. This causes a shock wave to travel through the water and rebound back onto the imploding hull which causes further catastrophic damage. The Titan was an advanced submersible, however it lacked the foundational engineering to support the hull from the immense pressure. During its fateful expedition, the Titan encountered an unforeseen issue that pushed it beyond its calculated crush depth. As it plunged deeper into the ocean’s abyss, the difference between the internal and external pressures exceeded the Titan's hull's strength. This resulted in the disastrous implosion, tearing apart the vessel and leading to the tragic loss of its crew. Many engineers now say that the carbon-fibre hull was the first to fail in the submarine and was the leading factor resulting in the implosion. 

The Titan tragedy now states the need for continual advancements in submarine technology and more input for rigorous safety protocols. Understanding the science behind these underwater journeys can help us navigate these environments more safely in the future, transforming tragedy into lessons learned.