News

Titan’s carbon fibre structural issues explained

Published

3 years ago

June 24, 2023

A structural problem with the Titan sub’s hull could have led to the “catastrophic implosion” that destroyed the vessel and killed all five people aboard, experts say.

OceanGate-owned submersible fell apart as it descended toward the Titanic wreckage this week, and investigators were looking for clues on Friday.

The cause of the deep-sea disaster is still unclear, but one expert believes the sub’s hull – its main body – may have failed.

According to Virginia Tech ocean engineering professor Stefano Brizzolara, the sub’s pressure hull may have fractured under pressure and caused the implosion.

“It is difficult to say what caused the structural failure in this case, but any small material and geometric imperfection, misalignment of connection flanges, tightening torque of bolted connection may have started the structural collapse,” Brizzolara said.

There were two different materials used to construct the Titan’s hull: carbon fiber-reinforced plastic and titanium.

When it fails, the carbon fiber element can break into small fragments, as it is “very prone to possible defects” and “has a more fragile behavior” than other materials.

Titan’s repeated voyages to the wreckage of the ocean liner may have also caused the hull to deform and shrink.

“These repeated deformation cycles may have started some material defects in the [carbon reinforced plastic] or some permanent deformations or misalignment between the two parts of the hull that were built with two different materials, which deform in a different way,” he said.

When the implosion occurred, any small leak at that depth would have sent water rushing in at a speed of about 1,000 km (621 miles) per hour, Brizzolara said.

News

Greenland and Denmark signal security divide with the United States

Greenland, Denmark assert Arctic island not for sale, emphasizing cooperation with the US on their own terms.

Published

43 minutes ago

January 15, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Greenland, Denmark assert Arctic island not for sale, emphasizing cooperation with the US on their own terms.

Greenland and Denmark have used high-level talks in Washington, D.C. to firmly restate that the Arctic island is not for sale, pushing back against long-standing US interest in the strategically vital territory.

Foreign ministers from both Greenland and Denmark acknowledged that major disagreements remain following discussions with US officials, despite what they described as constructive engagement on shared priorities.

Greenland’s government made clear it is open to closer cooperation with Washington, but only on its own terms, rejecting any suggestion of ownership or control.

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#Greenland #Denmark #UnitedStates #Geopolitics #ArcticPolitics #WorldNews #Security #Ticker

News

U.S. moves personnel from Qatar base amid Iran tensions

US military relocates personnel from Qatar amid rising Iran tensions; Trump considers military action as regional stability wanes.

Published

49 minutes ago

January 15, 2026

Harvey Vargas

US military relocates personnel from Qatar amid rising Iran tensions; Trump considers military action as regional stability wanes.

The US military is moving personnel from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar as tensions rise between Washington and Tehran, signalling heightened concern over regional stability.

President Trump has indicated he may consider military action against Iran, while the Pentagon says it remains ready to defend US forces using alternative options despite limited naval assets in the region.

The developments come amid growing uncertainty in the Middle East, with officials closely monitoring the risk of further escalation.

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#USMilitary #IranTensions #MiddleEast #Qatar #Pentagon #Geopolitics #BreakingNews #TickerNews

News

Greenland says “No” to U.S. takeover — Chooses Denmark in geopolitical showdown

Greenland’s PM chooses Denmark over U.S. amid Trump’s controversy over Arctic control, emphasizing sovereignty and local sentiment.

Published

1 day ago

January 14, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Greenland’s PM chooses Denmark over U.S. amid Trump’s controversy over Arctic control, emphasizing sovereignty and local sentiment.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens‑Frederik Nielsen has delivered a clear message amid renewed pressure from the U.S. — if forced to choose between the United States and Denmark, Greenland will pick Denmark, NATO, and the EU.

Nielsen made the declaration in Copenhagen alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen ahead of diplomatic talks with top U.S. officials.

The announcement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has again stoked controversy by suggesting Washington could pursue ownership or control of Greenland, citing strategic interests in the Arctic. European leaders and Greenlandic officials have pushed back strongly against these ideas, emphasising sovereignty and respect for international law.

This standoff places Greenland’s future in the spotlight — as Copenhagen and Nuuk reaffirm their ties, local sentiment remains overwhelmingly opposed to U.S. annexation and supportive of Greenland’s own path forward.

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#Greenland #Trump #Denmark #ArcticPolitics #NATO #Geopolitics #InternationalRelations