21 Dec 2002, 10:41, MIKE ROSS (1:167/133), wrote to CHARLES ANGELICH:

Hi MIKE.

 CA>> Also, if the air-exchanger was using this center section as a
 CA>> wind tunnel with those roof fans etc. it would've created a
 CA>> sort of 'blow-torch' affect when the fuel was ignited and
 CA>> contained in that one area.

 MR> It's a very good insight and which seems not to have been 
 MR> considered in the inquiry. Additionally I think the winds aloft at the 
 MR> altitude of the fires would have carried plenty of oxygen to fan the 
 MR> flames fiercely. Another aspect to consider is the effect of the added 
 MR> mass of the plane. Could this have caused the floor joist connections 
 MR> to break sooner too?

Add to the simple mass of the plane the impact speed of 560 MPH and the
fact that at least one of the planes hit at a slight diagonal, quite
probably shearing portions of several floors on initial impact.

Then consider the shearing effect of all those room-sized turbine blades
screaming through, wide open throttle at 60,000 + RPM.


     Good luck...  M.

--- Msged/386 TE 06 (pre)