Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Why are ship windows so often round instead of rectangular?

In this episode of History of Simple Things, we look at what happens when engineers put an opening into a ship's hull, why sharp corners can become a structural problem, how circular openings distribute stress, and why keeping seawater out is just as important as keeping the glass in.

Timestamps:
0:03 - Intro
1:07 - A Ship Is Always Under Stress
1:59 - The Problem With Cutting Holes
2:55 - Why a Circle Helps
3:48 - Keeping the Water Out
4:43 - Small, Strong, and Supported
5:39 - Not Every Ship Window Is Round
6:32 - Conclusion

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