Fact Check: Jet fuel doesnt melt steel beams

Fact Check: "Jet Fuel Doesn't Melt Steel Beams"

What We Know

The claim "jet fuel doesn't melt steel beams" is often cited in discussions surrounding the collapse of the World Trade Center towers during the 9/11 attacks. It is true that burning jet fuel does not reach the temperatures necessary to melt steel. The melting point of steel is approximately 1,425 to 1,540 degrees Celsius (2,597 to 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit), while jet fuel burns at a maximum temperature of about 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,830 degrees Fahrenheit) in open air (source-1, source-4).

However, while jet fuel cannot melt steel beams, it is important to note that it can significantly weaken steel. Steel loses about 50% of its strength at temperatures around 600 degrees Celsius (1,112 degrees Fahrenheit) and can lose up to 90% of its strength at temperatures around 1,000 degrees Celsius (source-2, source-5). This weakening can lead to structural failure, especially in a building that has already been compromised by the impact of an airplane.

Analysis

The assertion that "jet fuel doesn't melt steel beams" is technically accurate but misleading in the context of the 9/11 attacks. While it is true that jet fuel cannot melt steel, the argument often used by conspiracy theorists overlooks the critical point that steel does not need to melt to fail structurally. As noted, the heat generated by the burning jet fuel, combined with the damage from the impact of the planes, was sufficient to weaken the steel framework of the towers (source-1, source-3).

Moreover, various experts have pointed out that the fires fueled by jet fuel, along with other materials present in the buildings, created conditions that could lead to a catastrophic failure. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conducted a thorough investigation into the collapses and concluded that the combination of impact damage and subsequent fires led to the failure of the buildings (source-2, source-5).

The reliability of sources discussing this topic varies. While scientific articles and engineering analyses provide factual information, many conspiracy theory proponents often rely on anecdotal evidence or misinterpretations of scientific data to support their claims. Therefore, it is crucial to differentiate between credible scientific explanations and speculative conspiracy theories.

Conclusion

The claim that "jet fuel doesn't melt steel beams" is Partially True. While it accurately states that jet fuel cannot melt steel, it fails to address the broader context of how the combination of impact damage and the heat from the fires weakened the structural integrity of the World Trade Center towers, ultimately leading to their collapse. Thus, while the phrase is technically correct, it is often misused to support misleading narratives about the events of 9/11.

Sources

1. Jet Fuel Doesn't Melt Steel Beams | Major History - Sites at Penn State
2. Fact-checking 9/11 'jet fuel can't melt steel' conspiracy theory ...
3. Metalworker Shows Why 'Jet Fuel Can't Melt Steel Beams' Is Such a Dumb ...
4. CAN STEEL BEAMS BE MELTED BY JET FUEL - Sheer Force Engineering
5. Experts explain truth behind 9/11 conspiracy that plane fuel can't melt ...