re: The Challenger exploded on this day 38 years ago...January 28, 1986.

quote:

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Didn't the cold temps also play into it?

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Absolutely. They lost flexibility/elasticity in cold weather. I think the O-rings were designed to expand as the launch progressed. The cold prevent them from doing so.

Feynman clamped a small vise grip on a piece of O-ring and immersed in a pitcher of ice water at a hearing. As they were giving testimony, he removed the vise grip from the O-ring, which didn't expand back to its normal size. Feynman said something to the effect of "I think this is our problem."

Feynman wrote several books that include colorful anecdotes from his upbringing and career. The guy wasn't just a genius, he was a world class wit.