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ACCIDENT TO SHENANDOAH.

If the internal pressure set up by altitude and expansion could be relieved, the ship would ride just as perfect as at sea level, but unfortunately the swift ascent gave little time for action, and as the valves failed to relieve the pressure in time one or more of the cells ruptured and collapsed.

Under ordinary conditions the collapse of one cell would make little difference, but in this case, with all of the cells developing an abnormal pressure, the collapse of one cell allowed the two adjoining cells to bulge out into this compartment which caused the rings to buckle. In calm air this would not mean the destruction of the ship, but in a violent storm with the ship being tossed about, the result was an instantaneous breaking apart at these points.

The accident would have occurred with the use of hydrogen just as it did with helium, there would be no difference with the exception that hydrogen would be less expensive and the commander would not hesitate to release it.

The loss of the French Dixmude can be accounted for in the same manner, and the parts falling into the water were swiftly torn in pieces and carried to the bottom.

The remedy lies in having a sufficient number of poppet valves, set to automatically release the gas at fixed pressures, and providing openings large enough to release an excess of gas in similar circumstances.

This and similar accidents point to the improvements necessary which otherwise may never seem advisable.

By
A. Roy Knabenshue.

Written September 5, 1925.

Transcription Notes:
Everything was perfect but you had misspelled relieved in the first sentence of the first paragraph.