Mathematical models of the boat’s structure have made it possible to determine the loads and stresses the iceberg exerted on the hull. The Titanic was subjected to a kind of "suction" phenomenon that occurs when a massive object passes near another object, such as a dock, a boat, or an iceberg. A ship’s speed when passing an object creates an imbalance in the water pressure. The water pressure between the ship and the object becomes less than that on the outside of the ship. As soon as the loads and stresses on the hull reach a critical level, the structure loses its rigidity and buoyancy and rupture becomes inevitable.

Without doubt, the collision caused the detachment of rivets from the hull, leading to breaches through which water rushed into the boat. The water submerged the watertight bulkheads and the forward funnel collapsed, crushing scores of people beneath it. A deafening rumble sounded when all loose objects crashed into the submerged bow (front end) of the ship. The lights flickered a last time, then extinguished. The ship split in two.

The ship’s structure was weak between the third and fourth funnels, the area where the break occurred. This is where one of the ventilation ducts, empty spaces under the decks, and the stairwell of the Grand Staircase were located. The ship began to break into two pieces at the waterline, the bow, and the ship’s stern (back end).

Discover the different phases of the sinking of the Titanic with this animated presentation