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From: space@ucbvax.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.space
Subject: Re: Speculations on Shuttle Disaster
Message-ID: <8602050248.AA01753@ucbvax.berkeley.edu>
Date: Tue, 4-Feb-86 21:48:45 EST
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Posted: Tue Feb  4 21:48:45 1986
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I'm sure aluminum would burn in the presence of pure O2.
I think it's just above magnesium in the periodic table;
Mg is used for flares and incendiary bombs.
Armor-piercing bullets can actually set the aluminum hull
of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle on fire,
and I think the Exocet missile did the same to the aluminum
hull of the british ship lost off Argentina.

Also, aluminum loses its strength above about 450 F,
easily attained in home ovens!
	mike k