Every detail on airplanes is meticulously designed and calculated.
Perhaps that's why they are considered the safest means of travel to distant destinations.
If you pay attention, you'll notice that the windows on it vehicles are all oval-shaped and rounded.
This seemingly small detail was once overlooked by designers but turned out to be the cause of accidents for airplanes.
Why does an airplane have a rounded shape?
Initially, airplane windows were square-shaped.
In the early 1950s, the world's first commercial jetliner was developed and produced by De Havilland.
It was considered a marvel of aviation.
However, after a year of operation, the plane crashed into pieces in the sky, and two more suffered the same fate a few months later.
Engineers meticulously examined every nut and bolt of the aircraft.
They discovered that the main cause was the square-shaped windows.
Because square corners are usually the areas subjected to the highest pressure many times more than other parts.
Additionally, this could completely compromise the structural integrity of the windows, making them susceptible to cracking and other incidents inside the cabin.
On the other hand, the rounded windows on airplanes help reduce pressure concentration during movement.
Co-rounded corners can reduce pressure concentration in the structure when subjected to continuous and rapid mechanical movement.
In this case, the load is evenly distributed over the entire curve and not concentrated at one point or angle.
Therefore, engineers decided to replace square windows on airplanes with circular or oval shapes to prolong the lifespan of the vehicles and to avoid incidents and accidents.
Gradually, this trend of rounded window designs was applied to other public transportation vehicles, especially trains.
That's why windows on airplanes, trains, and other vehicles are all designed to be rounded.
The rounded shape of an airplane provides a better experience for passengers.
Moreover, with the round-shaped design.
it also helps passengers to enjoy the scenery outside more easily with a wider field of view.
Why do airplane windows need to be opened during takeoff and landing?
Aviation safety experts reveal that takeoff and landing are the most dangerous phases of a flight; most accidents occur during these two stages.
The window shades need to be opened so that in case of an emergency.
The flight crew can immediately determine which side of the plane is safest to use for emergency exits.
In addition, opening the window shades during takeoff and landing has the following benefits:
Passengers usually enjoy looking out the window, so they may quickly notice any abnormalities outside, signs of damage to the wings, engines, or foreign objects to inform the flight crew.
For daytime flights, opening the window helps passengers' eyes get accustomed to light better.
In the event of an emergency, sudden changes in light contrast could harm their vision.
For nighttime flights, in case of emergencies, rescue personnel on the ground can easily observe what's happening inside the plane through the open window.
