Why Did Titanic's Funnels Collapse? An Analysis.

Titanic's funnels are a unique and instantly-recognisable part of the ship's aesthetic, but one of the enduring mysteries of the ship's sinking in 1912 relates to their fate. The funnels were designed to handle the worst the ocean could throw at them and yet during the sinking they collapsed and killed dozens of people in the water. What was the cause of this structural failure? How did the funnels work and what was the engineering behind their design? In this video we'll explore Titanic's funnels in depth and learn about how ships of Titanic's age like RMS Lusitania and SS Great Eastern used simple engineering principles for the greatest efficiency and why Titanic's funnels collapsed.
This is an expanded remake of the second ever scripted explanatory video I made for this channel. :)
Thumbnail image is by DallasLeeKeffer:
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Oceanliner Designs explores the design, construction, engineering and operation of history’s greatest vessels- from Titanic to Queen Mary and from the Empress of Ireland to the Lusitania. Join maritime researcher and illustrator Michael Brady as he tells the stories behind some of history's most famous ocean liners and machines!
#titanic #sinking #history #design #collapse #disaster #story #ships #ship #documentary
0:00 Intro
01:24 Why Titanic Had 4 Funnels
05:50 Why Titanic's Funnels Were Yellow - Black
08:00 How Titanic's Funnels Worked
17:29 The Funnels Collapse
23:22 The Likely Cause

[@OceanlinerDesigns]

This is a remake of the second ever explanatory video I made for the channel, expanded from 9 to 25 minutes. Feel free to post any questions here! Also, as an aside - how cool is that home video of Olympic from the 1920s? Its surprising at first to see ships as big as Olympic moving so much in a high sea - but then check out of footage of Queen Mary 2 at the end there! That day we were sailing off Australia in a very gentle swell and the ship was moving quite a bit as you can see! I hope none of you get sea-sick! :-)

[@TitanicYorick1912]

I believe the Titanic Second fall off above the water, Jack Thayer say he saw a Explosion on Second Funnel. If you don't believe it look at Testimony of Jack Thayer on goolge.

[@AndyHappyGuy]

That video of Olympic is one of the most amazing videos I’ve seen, ever.

[@kaxar6954]

I don't know where to post this. But can you do a video of the sinking of the container ship EL-Faro. Thanks.

[@RobertCraft-re5sf]

@@kaxar6954 Brick Immortar has a great video about that

[@RobertCraft-re5sf]

Thanks for going into even more detail about this fascinating subject 👌🏻

[@ryana3298]

Anyone else stumble across this channel then became a regular watcher?

[@pufffincrazy5275]

It’s just so good, and high quality.

[@mattfarahsmillionmilelexus]

You know, a 30 minute video on ship funnels shouldn't be so interesting or engaging... but somehow it is. That's talent.

[@MrPoopYTP]

Now do “why did lusitania’s funnels NOT collapse?”

[@MiniMC546]

Vouch

[@AndyHappyGuy]

I mean, they did, eventually.

[@alecboi777]

@@AndyHappyGuy*thump*

[@randomrazr]

cunard engineering

[@jamesgroccia644]

Lusitania’s funnels were circular, while Titanic’s were more oval-shaped. The force of the water on Lusi’s stacks was equally distributed, while Titanic’s stacks crumpled at the forward end due to the immense side pressure. Because Lusitania’s funnels were shorter and thinner than Titanic’s, the former were built of relatively thicker plate.

[@Fishycheese99]

I played this game on Rec Room, it was a VR Titanic sinking experience, I was heading for Collapsable A when I looked up and saw the forward funnel toppling over onto me. It was a terrifying sight and I actually kinda yelled out loud when I realized what was happening. I then thought for a moment that that was what some people saw immediately before they died.

[@benberlin57]

Is there a link to this game?

[@Fishycheese99]

@@benberlin57it’s called Titanic Legacy. It’s on Rec Room

[@Fishycheese99]

@@benberlin57 It’s called Titanic Legacy. It’s on rec room.

[@GeorgeHk99]

​@@benberlin57idk maybe search titanic on rec room

[@rtqii]

I watch a lot of KZbin, Mike consistently has the highest production values and the utmost respect for the ship, crew and passengers. He has a wide variety of nautical material, and I always learn interesting things.

[@OceanlinerDesigns]

Thanks so much for watching! :)

[@lemagicbaguette1917]

@@OceanlinerDesigns thanks to you for posting!)

[@canuckprogressive.3435]

Whatever money Mike makes from these productions is more than well deserved.

[@rtqii]

@@OceanlinerDesigns Thank you for your work! I am going to drop a recommendation for the *Unauthorized History of the Pacific War Podcast* with historian Seth Paridon and retired Navy Captain Bill Toti. The production values are not nearly up this channel's standard, but the stories...

[@pampurr1]

@@canuckprogressive.3435agree with you

[@connorredshaw5650]

Its just a miracle that those last 2 lifeboats weren't crushed by the 1st funnel. May all those lost during the sinking of titanic rest in peace.

[@Beastgrows]

It's over 100yrs, nobody says that stuff about historical events so far back 😅😅😅

[@kittybitts567]

Amen.

[@Daz555Daz]

@@Beastgrows World War 1 - heard of that?

[@weskirkland5850]

@@Daz555DazIf they're not resting by now they never will no matter how many wishes.

[@Beastgrows]

@@Daz555Daz Actually yeah, 1798-1815, although we had Napolean once and he escaped and started another bloody revolution! Waterloo and the victory of the Anglo-Coalition against the French. WW1 is actually WW2 and WW2 was WW3.

[@alfredpease4340]

As an older physicist, well done, young man. Well done indeed! Extraordinary!

[@Saundersj1701]

Mike, you’re like the David Attenborough for ships, you explain everything really well and make it all really interesting! Keep up the good work 👍

[@nboceanlinerhistory]

The original video you made on Titanic’s funnel collapse was the first video I ever saw on your channel. I’m so glad I came across it because this has become my favorite channel on youtube. Thank you Mike for making such excellent videos!

[@volvo09]

He makes such a great videos, well put together and wonderfully narrated.

[@brendah.6366]

And his voice is very calming and comforting!!!❤❤❤

[@paulkirby2761]

My guess to what also contributed to the structural failure is that there was a dramatic changed in heat balance between the front and rear of the chimney as the ice cold water washing around the front of the chimney caused the hot expanded casing to suddenly contract like a blacksmith dipping a hot metal into water. However unlike a blacksmith that evenly dips the hot metal into water evenly, the Titanics chimneys entered the ice cold water unevenly as it was slowly lowered in. This uneven entry caused the front part of the chimney to contraction at a much more dramatic rate compared to the rear, effectively pulling the chimney down towards the front of the ship, making the front support cables sag and offer no tension or support, while the rear support cables already under immense loading from horrible lean on the chimneys would have been dramatically increased in loading further and failed.

[@tjroelsma]

That's a good educated guess. I would add to that that heavy rain, snow or even ice have a lot less weight than the ocean slamming a massive wave into the funnels. They were never designed to withstand all that force.

[@selinalunaria9346]

If only the Great Eastern had been appreciated back then like it is now. Fantastic video as always

[@OceanlinerDesigns]

She really deserves her own big video!

[@donbongz4732]

​@@OceanlinerDesignsI've only heard of her one other time besides now. Seeing those photos sparks an interest to learn more about her.

[@AndyHappyGuy]

The original version of this video was the first video I ever saw from you, it's nice to compare the two and see how far you've gotten since then!

[@Jondantic]

I didn’t even know that there was a difference between ocean liners and cruise ships until I found this channel. Now I’m watching fascinating videos by Mike on the designs of the Titanic’s funnels. Thanks, keep it coming

[@andrewporter1432]

I'd love to see an in-depth video of the Great Eastern. She was the progenitor of everything that followed.

[@kenrfc]

The part where you talk about the "Great Eastern" leaves me wanting more! One could probably do a couple of videos about that great engineering marvel/folly.

[@kaneki-ken96]

An extended and updated version of a video from almost 3 years ago, a video about my favourite topic: Titanic. Thank you, Mike.

[@ScareBear75]

You are such a delightful storyteller Mike. I truly enjoy your videos about Titanic. I recently got to visit the Titanic exhibition here in Pittsburgh. ( second time overall). And it’s so moving because every little thing told a story of tragedy and heroism. Thank you for all your amazing work!

[@beaulacer1161]

I love Titanic and have since I was in the 2nd grade, I'm now 43 and still fascinated by it. I love your channel, it's definitely one of the best when it comes to ships... great work!

[@SpiritualInsanity01]

I only came across your channel because of your Titanic videos, but I really have found myself watching a lot of your other videos as well, because under normal circumstances, you would not think that a channel about ocean liners would attract 434K subscribers, but you really do have quite a talent for turning what should be rather ordinary subject into something quite fascinating.

[@shereesmazik5030]

Mike has a talent for making details fascinating. He’s a natural teacher . There is so much talent on utube , the History Channel needs to hire people and redeem the channel from all the nonsense that infests it lately .

[@TYSuggested]

Your videos are nothing short of extremely well made documentaries. Hats off, Mike. Thank you for sharing your insights on these marvellous ships. I'm always astonished at what these guys were able to build well over a century ago.

[@philtkaswahl2124]

Ironically, if that flattening of the funnels had been shown in films' special effects, there would be some people calling it unrealistic. The way large structures behave when subjected to massive stresses is fascinating.

[@Hirundo-demersalis]

Their fragility was shown in the James Cameron film a little bit, with the funnel crumpling like paper in a few frames before it cuts to Fabrizio being crushed and the wave sending the lifeboats carrying Cal and Lightoller in opposite directions. It's a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment, but still an interesting attention to detail, even if the final shot of the funnel wasn't flattened like irl.

[@philtkaswahl2124]

@@Hirundo-demersalis I wonder if Cameron and the FX artists did consider showing the flattening but felt having it as it was looked more cinematic.

[@bobbymartin7455]

keep em coming Mr Brady!

[@jacklempke7779]

30 minute video from Mike it’s like Christmas morning!

[@OceanlinerDesigns]

:)

[@connorredshaw5650]

The longer Mike's videos are the better. I would gladly watch his videos all day long if I wanted to.

[@ceeg88]

@@connorredshaw5650I second this. Mike, please make an 8 hour video so I can hide in the locker room at work and enjoy, thanks 😂

[@connorredshaw5650]

@chrisgrov I've had the flu for the last week. But thankfully, i'm a lot better now. but watching multiple videos that Mike has done on his KZbin channel this past week has really flown by.

[@OceanlinerDesigns]

@@connorredshaw5650hope you feel better soon!

[@clairednicholls]

Another cracking video from our friend Mike Brady from Oceanliner Designs. Yay! Thank you for the little taste of the genius of Brunel and the revolutionary SS Great Eastern. More please!!!!! :)

[@jfreelan1964]

Never thought one could write a script about funnels that lasted a half hour. Excellent and I enjoyed this video. Anything Titanic I am all eyes and ears. LOL.

[@GeoHvl]

I thank you for your closeness to detail. You cover all measurements in Metric, Imperial, and Nautical.

[@erictaylor5462]

24:00 A woman, who ended up stuck on the beach below the high tide line was provided with a length of PVC pipe to use as a snorkel as rescuers tried to free her. She was breathing fine at first, but very quickly she was struggling to draw a breath and she spat out the improvised snorkel and drowned. They said it would have felt like the snorkel was being blocked.

[@Dakiraun]

Very cool and technical feature on the funnels of coal-era ships! This is a great testament to how good of a presenter you are; you can talk about a smoke stack fora half hour and it's absolutely fascinating and fun to listen to. :)

[@LoneSheWolf09]

Thankgod for Mike Brady explaining why did titanics funnels collapse. I always wondered that but I always thought I’ll find out when it’s time to find out and now it’s time to find out. Thank you Mike :)

[@TheRibottoStudios]

I had always figured the sheer weight of the water rushing into the ship caused them to collapse. As the ship was brought further and further down gravity did the rest.

[@CaptainQ2607]

Hooray a new Titanic video ❤❤ thanks friend.

[@twinkholland8392]

I enjoy ALL your videos and information! Thank you!😊

[@Wanted797]

The fact they accounted for the ships sheer is an awesome attention to detail.

[@peterperacchio528]

Your and your team's work is truly a treat. Thank you for the enrichment.

[@diannebdee]

Another informative video from you Mike. I love these construction "deep dives." They're so thoroughly researched. Thank you for the dedication you give to these and for the amazing work you put into them. Your friend, Dianne. Sending many blessings.

[@Lmzip2]

Impressive video! Enjoyed all the engineering and design data collected to fully explain the purpose and function of the funnels. Also the failure analysis of Titanic’s funnels. The additional historical background of funnel design and development was very interesting information as well. Excellent!

[@toddgilmore8412]

Awesome video, very historical and accurate. Excellent commentary and a good mix of animation and other footage. This was the most comphresive explanation and analysis on Titanic's funnel's that I have seen. Keep up the great work!

[@GoreTheronHD]

Beautiful illustrations and very informative of the funnels Mike. I really liked this one, as well as the others. Keep it up, and take care!

[@gmlover82]

Thank you for posting! I really enjoyed it and love all the information! I look forward to the next.

[@michaelgordon8763]

Wonderful commentary and analysis! I loved the films, photo's and explanatory diagrams....those were wonderful 'finds.' Thank you Mike!!

[@WorldT]

good videos watched most of your channel so far the information on the shipping history is so in detail especially on the titanic.so much history made on just this one ship so iconic

[@williambott1230]

Well done, presented so well that the 30 min just flew by. Nice Job.

[@caitlincaltrider7423]

so grateful for all the things I've learned from your videos - thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience :)

[@alexandergroppe448]

Superb work as usual, Mike! Thank you!!

[@lillyhoundoom]

Love the content! Found you via shorts and now I look forward to all your videos!

[@JimHendrickson]

I really enjoy these engineering deep-dives. Thanks, and keep them coming!

[@gr8oone007]

Okay that video was amazing as always, now I'm ready for the next one! 🤩

[@nephthysnyx]

Thank you as always for the awesome information about ship stuff! Stay awesome!

[@3CShannon]

A great video that is very interesting. Well researched and excellent presentation. Top marks!

[@nanabutner]

Thank you Mike, for another informative and enjoyable Sunday afternoon learning from your incredible knowledge.

[@sifridbassoon]

Your videos consistently amaze and impress me with how complex such ships were.

[@utubejeffo]

Well done again! Cudos for the recognizable constellations in the spring night sky!

[@alanbennett7199]

Just excellent story Michael. Great history and structural information. Thank you.

[@sirridesalot6652]

Watching the high quality of these videos it's hard to believe that they're not made by a major mainstream film studio with a hugs budget. That Mike shares them without expecting or charging for them is absolutely awesome. Thanks Mike.

[@dmdrosselmeyer]

Love your channel! Thank you for all the fantastic content!!

[@gaemlinsidoharthi]

Thank you Mike and your team.

[@maribelfarnsworth4565]

Great presentation, riveting from beginning to end, delivered with your usual impeccable style and verve! Thank you!

[@michaelberry950]

Outstanding graphics! Well done.

[@3UZFE]

Awesome work as always, there is always much detail to discuss in these matters. More videos of this nature would be greatly welcomed!

[@bennoble8626]

I really enjoyed this vid. Mike, you are the most informative Titanic historian out there! Cheers from Canberra.

[@laratheplanespotter]

I think this is the video (the OG version) that brought Titanic back to me. It’s interesting to watch it again. Thanks Mike.

[@CanAslan]

Brilliant content as always! 👏

[@nicocarrera5363]

Amazing video about a fascinating topic! Thank you so much, as always :))

[@idknils2920]

I always enjoy listening to a well dressed Mike Brady explain things i haven´t known yet.

[@towhee7472]

Mannn the endless content you bring is just amazing. I cannot believe how much work you put into this, you have my deepest respect.

[@JAYFULFILMZ]

I’m not a boat or ship enthusiast of any kind but this channel is fire 🔥 I love all your content on these type of subjects! Things I never thought about or even cared about & somehow you made me interested in them! 💯💪🏾

[@SaroShow]

I don't really care of the titanic's fannel, but I love to hear you explain things with your calm stylish voice :D

[@DemonicAkumi]

Whenever my mind thinks of the Titanic, it tends to 1st go to those funnels. You were right of them being iconic to the ship. 2nd thought of course tends to be 1912 and the tragedy.

[@TheFallopianTube]

Phenomenally well done video. Thanks

[@JagerLange]

I forget about the funnel openings dragging people in, and then every few years am reminded of it again. Grim stuff to think that possibly people went to the bottom in the engine space who had never been in the engine rooms before that one sudden, violent moment.

[@dwa22204]

Another great video, Mike. Thank you!

[@Th.G.M.]

Superb new video! I always learn new stuff from your so well done videos! Thank you so much, and greetings from Germany!

[@DaystromDataConcepts]

Absolutely superb as ever. The attention to detail; and excellent production and presentation to this video really goes to show why so many have given up TV.

[@mr.spitfire]

You should make a video on what happened to Britannic's funnels. I've always wondered what happened to them

[@short72hp1]

your knowledge of the subjects is always impressive

[@73sporty]

Always enjoy your content 👍

[@tjwiiliams9541]

Thank you for the explanation

[@kyguy1734]

An excellent KZbin channel and a very exquisite gentleman providing in-depth insight

[@blacksoc76]

Love your videos they are always such a high level loving the shirt today

[@charlesburns1572]

I like the collar! It's sharp and period appropriate. A through video as well. Thank you. 😁

[@TheKRU251]

Superb presentation Mike. Really informative. Much watch You Tube content !!!! Thanks

[@pilotvc]

I never realized how interested i would be in learning this much about these funnels 😂 Thanks for this great video!

[@rogerb3654]

Great info! 🚢🛳⚓

[@Mr.beansholiday]

I gotta say, great videos, I love watching these before bed, nice bedtime stories to listen to, I'm 21 and live by myself, dont feel so alone when I watch your vids.

[@sexybeast1930]

Sad thing is the funnels would have been ripped off had they remained in place even if the ship sank in one piece. The force of the water would have just ripped them clean away during the decent. The forward mast is an example of this. The aft mast was a different story. I think the ripping and flinging of deck sections broke it's spine. So the funnels would have been sheered right off.

[@davidburston6693]

true scholarship at its best thank you !

[@100-pc-notbot]

Hullo my friend Mike Bradey! This is your friend Chris. I really do love your show! Not sure why you dress with a tie and waistcoat - that'd be interesting to explore some time. But I really do love the passion that you bring to your material. I love that you look at history, engineering and aesthetics of the ships, and that you give colour to the people and the respect with which you treat, of the time. A tonne/ton/(you choose long/short/SI standard ;)) of respect!

[@jack0cat]

Watching this with childlike enthusiasm and aw. When watching the workers at HW I had an idea of making a story of one of the workers and focus on his life not necessarily a titanic story but when we start this story he happens to be in the middle of the hull assembly and just mainly on his friends at work and then the home life. Possibly throw in a love story 🤷‍♂️ I’m rambling 🤐 Love this channel 👍

[@HorribleHarry]

OUTSTANDING!

[@mattwilkinson5858]

Fantastic content!

[@Hairnicks]

Fascinating Mike.

[@user-wu2nl2px8y]

It seems that you really, really love what you're doing. Thanks a lot, for that. Congratulations!

[@mnhoss2100]

Good video as always sir

[@PrettyCatEyes]

Why is this so fascinating?! 😭

[@jerrybenzl8843]

I can't believe a documentary and analysis of this caliber has addressed this question that I have contemplated on many a moment --including the comparison with the Lusitania.

[@KarlJayce_]

I would give anything to be able to travel back in time and see, walk on this magnificent ships.

[@jkephart4624]

Please PLEASE PLEASE make a video on the SS ARCTIC. There's only one on youtube its good but your videos are the best

[@mikefochtman7164]

I believe that funnels shrank in size with the development of 'forced draft blowers'. Steam driven 'fans' that forced air into the firebox along with the oil spray. This provides for the vast amount of air flow without the need for the height of the Titanic era. Interesting video that goes into a lot of the details. Thanks.