What makes the black box so indestructible?

Question

Whats it made from and how? How does it work?

Answer 1

It's so indestructible mainly because of it's size. It's small and re-in-forced. The reason the whole plane isn't made out of it is because to make something so strong and so large would cause the weight to be too great for the plane to fly.

Answer 2

Because of the high strength steel alloy used to make the casing structure. Also its placed in the rear of the aircraft so its less likely to get damaged in the envent of a crash.

Answer 3

the only thing I can add is that to absorb shock and reduce the effects of fire, the contents of the boxes are filled with a fire retardant foam.  prior to sealing, the boxes have two holes, one at each end.  liquid flame retardant foam is injected into one hole until it appear at the other.  the foam is allowed to expand a little (not big bubbles, tinyones).  when its dry the holes are soldered shut.  The units undergo a fire qualification test using a propane burner (not a jet fuel one) and must withstand 30 minutes at 65,000 BTU/hr. (or about 2000F)

the units are very rugged and can withstand g-forces near 1000g's. (for comparison, you can get 20 g's just by dropping  it 6 ft onto the floor, landing on one corner)

taking these things apart is pure h**l.  If the unit cannot be downloaded through its electrical connector. then you have to essentially open it like a can of spam.  Ive used a small die grinder to get the can off.  

then you have to pick off all the foam gently until you get to the units inside.

then its just a matter of reconnecting the input wiring harness and diagnostics.  if that still doesnt work, you have to disassemble it boardwise and test the memory directly on a new board.

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Answer 4

The boxes are actually orange, which makes them easier to find in the event of a crash where the wreckage is scattered. They're not indestructible but they are tough. They're both fire and shock resistant and water proof, plus they're relatively light weight, not very large, and they're usually mounted in the tail section of the plane, which helps them survive most accidents.

Answer 5

My question to your question is why don't they make the whole plane out of it?

Answer 6

the majority of FDRs and CVR (Flight Data Recorders, and Cockpit Voice Recorders) are made of aluminum, like the rest of the avionics package.  the memory chips which store the data (or tapes if its an older model) are contained inside of a thick steel capsule.  

this kind of design, along with its location are the reasons why the data us usually recovered, there is no magic material they are made of

Answer 7

They are made of chrome molybdenum steel, and painted orange for visibility.  They are not indestructible, but they are really tough, because they are hard and thick like a.... well, they are hard and thick, okay?

They contain ruggedized recording equipment designed to survive impacts and high temperatures.  And the whole airplane has to be built to be light, so it can fly.  Chrome molybdenum steel is too heavy.

Answer 8

because it was made to be non-destructible and it is located in the aircraft that when a crash did occur it will be thrown upon impact along with the aircraft fuselage part.