This is why airplane windows are round

onnaedo

February 2, 2020 4:56 PM

Just why are airplane windows oval and not square?

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Ever wondered why airplane windows are the way they are, and not bigger for a better view?

Well apparently there's a reason for this not unconnected to safety.

In the early days of airplanes (we're talking 1903), square windows were the norm and when commercial jetliners became popular in the 1950s, the speeds and altitudes at which planes flew became faster and higher.

Unfortunately however, there was an incident where two aircrafts "disintegrated" in the air, and it was discovered that square windows were the cause of the crash.

So just how did square windows bring about the crash of an entire jet?

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The sharp corners on squares are natural weak spots, so when they are paired with higher air pressure it could spell trouble for an airplane.

Curved designs on the other hand don't have a focal point, and distribute weight and stress evenly, therefore reducing the potential for breaks or cracks.

Now you know why airplane windows have an oval design as opposed to square.

onnaedo