Originally Posted by
NY-FLA
Well, I didn't phrase it explicitly enough. Not to get overly technical, but IIRC, it's the reaction the substance(s) undergoes(go) that is either exothermic or endothermic. Obviously the postulated reaction from a given detonated explosive has effectively the same exothermic result whether it's in the cargo hold or the passenger compartment, even allowing for slight differences in the heated, pressurized atmosphere in the cabin vice the cargo hold.
A good, everyday example of an endothermic liquid reaction would be the passenger held (not OK for air travel in the passenger compartment) water, that will undergo an endothermic reaction when boiled. Any liquid requires heat of vaporization to change state to vapor/gas. H2O makes a lousy refrigerant, though a theoretically possible one.
GAK! I was trying to make a joke!
Originally Posted by
Boggie Dog
So you don't think it likely that a evildoer would check his liquid bomb and have a remote detonator in his pocket that looked like a pen.
I really feel safe now!
Never said that, as a matter of fact that is one of the most espoused theories. It is also one of the most difficult to counter, hence the more expensive equipment in many o fthe bag areas.
Originally Posted by
bocastephen
Because the ONLY threat the TSA seems to recognize or care about is the one at the passenger checkpoint. Checked bags are given a cursory glance (unless there is something worse stealing) and cargo gets on board almost totally check-free. Through-the-fence contractors have almost free, unfettered access to aircraft where they can hide God knows what.
There is ample proof that all the TSA is after is a public display of 'security' (hence security theater) which will keep the public satisfied and their funding stream alive. They likely would care less if a cargo bomb went off and took out an airliner.
The sad part is the number of screeners who actually believe the X-Ray machine can detect the presence and content of liquid explosives. The organization is rotten from the top down and everything in between. It is beyond saving at this point.
Some of the xray machines out there can detect a difference. Several of these are in use by MANY groups worldwide, including TSA. If you actually think anyone for the agency wants some sort of an incident with cargo, then you are probably cynical beyond help. At this point the agency is still on track to screen 100% of cargo by the congressional mandate. That may change, but as of now TSA is still on track to achieve that goal.