Quote:
Originally Posted by unclebilly
I sorta agree with you but not completely. The rail tanker implosion is not representative because it is steel. Don’t forget that the CF had already suffered some delamination. This (even more than usual) non homogeneous structure would have meant it likely wouldn’t just shatter. Sure the delaminated pieces would have fallen off but some would still remain attached to the main tube.
Carbon fibre delaminates and the thin layers rip. The damage is normally confined to the break, not everywhere…

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When the Navy lost the Thresher they theorized that the breach allowed it to fill so fast the hull didn't collapse.