Brace for Collision! What if Titanic Struck the Iceberg Head-On?

Expert Testimony

• Edward Wilding, a naval architect involved in the design of the Titanic, testified that a head-on collision might have allowed the ship to remain afloat, although it would have caused severe damage to the bow and likely killed many crew members in the forward compartments.

Collision Dynamics

• The document uses mathematical models to analyze the forces and damage that would result from a head-on collision. It estimates that the Titanic would have come to a stop within approximately 80 feet, with the first 80 feet of the bow being crushed.

Damage Extent

• The damage would have extended about 107 feet back from the bow, compromising the first three compartments and potentially the fourth. The ship would have experienced a deceleration force of about 0.39g, which would be felt by those on board.

Survivability

• Despite the severe damage, the ship might have remained afloat, allowing for the possibility of rescue or limping to the nearest port. The loss of life would have been significant among the crew in the forward compartments, but many passengers might have survived.

Comparison with Historical Collisions

• The document compares the hypothetical damage to the Titanic with other historical ship collisions, such as the SS Arizona and the MS Stockholm.

Alternative Scenarios

• It also considers what might have happened if the Titanic had been traveling at a slower speed, such as 15 knots, which would have resulted in less severe damage.

Conclusion

The analysis suggests that a head-on collision, while catastrophic, might have allowed the Titanic to avoid sinking, highlighting the importance of collision dynamics in maritime safety.