Solving the Mystery of the H.L. Hunley - Historical Medical Investigation

Delve into the historical medical mystery of the Confederate States submarine H.L. Hunley in this 55-minute Melbourne Forum talk by Dr. Cameron Dale Bass. Explore the intriguing circumstances surrounding the first combat submarine to sink a warship, which disappeared after attacking the USS Housatonic in Charleston Harbor in 1864. Examine various hypotheses about the crew's fate, including hypoxia, hypercapnia, and potential gunfire from the Housatonic. Learn how modern structural, biomedical engineering, and medical assessments are being used to evaluate blast propagation patterns and physiological effects on the crew. Discover the innovative research methods employed, such as shooting period weapons at old wrought and cast iron, exposing materials to shock tubes, and detonating black powder charges in water bodies. Gain insights into injury risk assessment, computational modeling, and the historical context of submarine warfare development. Uncover the fascinating blend of history, engineering, and forensic science as experts work to solve the enduring mystery of the H.L. Hunley and its crew.