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 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

23 hours 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

News

Trump promises aid amid Iran unrest

Trump urges Americans in Iran to evacuate amidst escalating protests and vows support for protesters seeking freedom.

Published

23 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump urges Americans in Iran to evacuate amidst escalating protests and vows support for protesters seeking freedom.

President Trump has called on Americans in Iran to evacuate as tensions escalate following the government’s violent crackdown on antigovernment protesters. He has ruled out negotiations and encouraged protesters to continue their efforts, hinting that aid could be on the way.

The unrest in Iran has reportedly resulted in over 2,000 deaths, including both protesters and security forces. U.S. officials are reportedly weighing various responses, from sanctions to potential military options, though no immediate action has been confirmed.

Trump delivered a direct message to the people of Iran, emphasising support for their push for freedom and safety amid the growing crisis.

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#IranProtests #Trump #USPolitics #MiddleEastCrisis #HumanRights #EvacuationAlert #GlobalNews #TickerNews

News

Trump escalates pressure on the Federal Reserve with Powell probe

Trump administration investigates Fed Chair Powell, raising concerns over political pressure on monetary policy and economic stability.

Published

2 days ago

January 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump administration investigates Fed Chair Powell, raising concerns over political pressure on monetary policy and economic stability.

The Trump administration has launched a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, dramatically escalating tensions between the White House and the central bank.

The probe centres on Powell’s testimony over a controversial renovation of the Federal Reserve’s headquarters, raising alarm over whether political pressure is being applied to monetary policy decisions.

The move has sparked fierce debate in Washington, with critics warning it could undermine investor confidence and destabilise economic expectations.

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#FederalReserve #JeromePowell #DonaldTrump #USPolitics #MonetaryPolicy #Markets #Inflation #TickerNews