# Understanding the Titanic Sub Incident: A Physics Perspective
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Chapter 1: The Tragic Incident
The Titanic submarine incident marked a sorrowful chapter in exploration history, occurring on June 18, 2023. During its descent to the Titanic wreck, the Titan submersible, operated by OceanGate Expeditions, experienced a catastrophic implosion. Onboard were five individuals: Stockton Rush (CEO of OceanGate), Hamish Harding (a British aviator and adventurer), Shahzada Dawood (a Pakistani businessman and philanthropist), his son Suleman Dawood (a university student), and Paul-Henri Nargeolet (a French marine archaeologist with expertise in Titanic).
The physics underlying this incident is primarily linked to the extreme water pressure found at the Titanic's resting place, approximately 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) beneath the ocean's surface. This area is known for its profound depths, comparable to the height of Mount Everest. As one descends, water pressure increases by about one atmosphere (14.7 psi) for every 10 meters (33 feet) of depth. Consequently, at the Titanic's depth, the pressure reaches around 380 atmospheres (5,600 psi), exerting a massive inward force on any submerged object.
The Titan was engineered to endure such conditions, featuring a titanium hull and a spherical design that evenly distributes stress. However, reports suggest that unpredictable ocean currents led to a collision with the Titanic’s remains, potentially causing a crack or breach in the hull. This failure would have allowed water to rush in at alarming speed, compressing the air inside the submersible and generating a shock wave that could instantly shatter the hull, resulting in a catastrophic implosion.
Section 1.1: The Physics of Deep-Sea Pressure
The immense pressure at the Titanic site plays a critical role in understanding the incident.
Subsection 1.1.1: Water Pressure Dynamics
Water pressure increases significantly with depth. For every 10 meters, it rises by one atmosphere, leading to extreme conditions at the Titanic wreck site.
Chapter 2: Investigating the Incident's Causes
The investigation into the Titan's implosion reveals key insights into the forces at play.
The video titled "The Science of Titan Sub Implosion | Sci Guys Podcast #220" delves into the scientific explanations behind the Titan's implosion, discussing the physical principles and conditions that led to this tragic event.
In "How did the Titanic Sink? | The Complete Physics," viewers can learn more about the physics surrounding the Titanic's sinking, providing essential context for understanding the challenges faced by modern submersibles.