What Happens to the Body When a Submarine Implodes?

What Happens to the Body When a Submarine Implodes?

In the tragic event of a submarine implosion, where the hull collapses inward due to surrounding water pressure, severe and primarily fatal injuries occur involving crushing, burns, decompression sickness, and drowning. Such catastrophic events include the USS Thresher in 1963, killing 129 crew members, the Kursk in 2000 with 118 casualties, and the HMAS Rankin in 2018 with six fatalities.

Causes of Submarine Implosion

There are several reasons why a submarine implodes, such as:

1. Damage to the hull from an external impact
2. A breach in the hull due to flooding
3. A structural failure

Effects of Implosion on the Body

Crushing injuries

The immense pressure during an implosion can crush the human body, causing fatal damage to internal organs. This happens due to the sudden increase in pressure inside the submarine compared to outside pressure.

Burns

The air inside the submarine rapidly compresses during an implosion, increasing the temperature. The rapid temperature rise can cause severe burns to occupants.

Decompression Sickness

Occupants of an imploding submarine also experience a rapid change in pressure, which can lead to decompression sickness, commonly known as the bends. When dissolved gases in the blood come out of the solution and form bubbles, they can block blood vessels and cause symptoms like pain, numbness, paralysis, or even death.

Drowning

In some cases, an implosion can cause flooding, drowning the occupants.

Factors Affecting the Severity of Injuries

The severity of injuries sustained during a submarine implosion varies depending on aspects like the submarine's depth, the extent of damage to the hull, and the duration of the implosion.

Preventing Submarine Implosions

To prevent these tragic events and the resulting injuries to crew members, it is essential to maintain the submarine hull properly and operate the vessel safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a submarine implosion?

A submarine implosion is a catastrophic event where the hull of a submarine collapses inward because of the immense pressure exerted by the surrounding water.

2. What injuries can a person experience from a submarine implosion?

During a submarine implosion, a person can sustain crushing injuries, burns, decompression sickness, and drowning.

3. Can anyone survive a submarine implosion?

Surviving a submarine implosion is highly unlikely. The best way to avoid this tragic event is to ensure the submarine's hull is well-maintained and operating safely.

4. How can decompression sickness occur during a submarine implosion?

Decompression sickness occurs due to a rapid change in pressure, causing dissolved gases in the blood to come out of the solution and form bubbles. These bubbles can block blood vessels, leading to pain, numbness, paralysis, or even death.