Titanic Sinking Simulation - Updated 2012

   

This animation was created during James Cameron's - Final Word Documentary on National Geographic. It shows a different scenario for the ship's sinking than the one shown in the feature film in 1997. Cameron was tempted to use the new animation in the film's 3D release in April 2012 however decided that the original animation was as good as it could have been for the information he and his researchers had at the time of filming.

Main changes:

Only 23 degrees of trim was reached by the stern

The stern did not bob about on the surface for a couple of minutes

The double bottom was the remaining piece holding the structure together and when it eventually failed it was left attached to the stern which flooded, sank and the waterflow over the double bottom broke it off and flung it away from the wreck site explaining its final resting position

Also notice the effect of the hydraulic downblast and outburst on the structures when both hit the bottom. This is due to the wake of water the ship leaves behind it when it is travelling to the bottom. When each piece finally hits the seabed it stops dead, however the water flow above it keeps going and crashes down on each part collapsing the decks on top of each other and flattening the structures.

Had to be recorded off the screen due to the lack of a hypercam.

This content belongs to National Geographic. No copyright infringement intended.