O-ring

An O-ring is a loop of elastomer with a round (o-shaped) cross-section used as a mechanical seal. They are designed to be seated in a groove and compressed during assembly between two or more parts, creating a seal at the interface.

Challenger disaster

The failure of an O-ring seal was determined to be the cause of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986. A contributing factor was cold weather prior to the launch. This was famously demonstrated on television by physicist Richard Feynman, when he placed a small O-ring into his ice water, and subsequently showed its loss of pliability before an investigative committee.

Related Topics:
Space Shuttle - ''Challenger'' - Disaster - Richard Feynman

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