Why do rockets explode so easily when they tip over?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the reasons why rockets, particularly those from SpaceX, tend to explode when they tip over, even in scenarios such as landing on water. The scope includes technical explanations and conceptual clarifications related to rocket design and structural integrity under various conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that rockets may explode when they tip over due to the initial conditions that caused the tilt, as well as the potential for deliberate destruction by operators.
  • Others argue that rockets are not very strong or stiff under sideways bending loads, which can lead to ruptured fuel tanks upon tipping.
  • It is suggested that even if a rocket tips over, residual fuel on board can lead to explosions when the impact breaks open the fuel containers, which are primarily designed for launch and landing stresses.
  • One participant expresses concern about the forces from engines or aerodynamics contributing to structural failure, while hoping that engine gimbaling is programmed to avoid tearing apart the rocket.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views regarding the causes of explosions when rockets tip over, with no consensus reached on a singular explanation.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include assumptions about the structural design of rockets, the specific conditions leading to explosions, and the impact resistance of fuel containers, which remain unresolved in the discussion.

Tech2025
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I've seen the SpaceX fail videos, even when they tip over on water the rockets still explode. Why?
 
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Tech2025 said:
I've seen the SpaceX fail videos, ...
Why not post it?
 
A.T. said:
Why not post it?
 
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Tech2025 said:

Sometimes they destroy it deliberately, when it tilts. Sometimes it explodes for the same reason it initially tilted.
 
They're also not very strong/stiff under sideways bending loads. It doesn't take much to rupture the fuel tanks.
 
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There would still be some fuel on board and, when they fall, the impact breaks the containers open. The fuel containers are only designed to withstand the rigors launches and landings. Making them impact-proof when they tip over would add tremendous amounts of weight and would serve no purpose because the rocket would be damaged scrap anyway.
 
Nugatory said:
They're also not very strong/stiff under sideways bending loads.
And these forces can come from the engines or aerodynamics...

...though I would hope they would program the engine gimballing not to tear apart the rocket if possible.
 

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