Quote:
Originally Posted by sts60
Well, the metal components of the Orbiter wing didn't need to burn for the wing to fail when exposed to the plasma stream. Whether it burned or simply softened/melted and failed under aerodynamic load.
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True but Molten Aluminum has always been known to ignite in air as long as it is below the melting level of the Aluminum oxide it is safe.
Work with it above that level and it is not. It is simply strongly attracted to Oxygen one of the most strongly attracted metals to Oxygen Known.
You can not work with it with out the oxide forming to protect it.