Encyclopedia Titanica

Preface to Recent Studies Involving the RMS Titanic

Marine Technology

   Join Us and Hide Ads

The Marine Forensics Panel’s research on Titanic’s structural failure, focusing on material analysis of the steel and rivets. Post-discovery, expeditions in 1991 and 1998 revealed that Titanic’s hull material was brittle in cold temperatures, affecting its durability upon iceberg impact. The panel, involving experts from various fields, utilized modern technology to analyze the steel and rivets, finding slag inclusions in wrought iron rivets that compromised structural integrity. This research not only sheds light on Titanic’s sinking but also helps understand failures in other ships built with similar materials.

by William H. Garzke, Jr.
Key Points

  • Hull Brittle Properties: Studies showed Titanic’s hull steel was brittle at low temperatures, a factor in hull failure.
  • Rivet Analysis: Slag inclusions in wrought iron rivets weakened joint efficiency, affecting the structural response to the iceberg.
  • Forensic Techniques: Advanced technology, including ROVs and finite element analysis, was used to study structural failures.
  • Panel Collaboration: Marine experts contributed across disciplines to deepen understanding of shipwreck forensic analysis.
  • Legacy in Maritime Research: Findings influence investigations of similar ship constructions, including HMHS Britannic.

Find it on www.researchgate.net

Encyclopedia Titanica is not responsible for the content of external sites, and the availability of links may change.

About Research References on Encyclopedia Titanica
This item is not available to read on Encyclopedia Titanica, but we have included it as a reference, provided a brief summary of the key points, and linked to the original source to help readers interested in the finer details of the Titanic story.

Find Related Items

Brittle Steel Rivet Failure Structural Analysis Structural failure Marine Forensics Panel Forensics Iceberg Impact Collision Theories

Contribute

  Get in touch