Originally Posted by
Ozgrade3
During a rapid depressurisation (greater than 3 seconds) does the outflow valve move to full close, thereby increasing the total volume of air exiting the window hole?
The outflow valve is controlled using pressure differential as the major input variable. If the cabin pressure drops, then the outflow valve will close. The volume of air through the window will not change a whole lot, this is limited by the size of the hole and the max speed it will accellerate to through this hole.
Originally Posted by
Ozgrade3
Was it a rapid or an explosive decompression.
That depends on the definitions for 'rapid' and 'explosive'. In my view, this was not an explosive decompression as there was no further structural damage as a result of the first breach of the fuselage. But that's just my definition.
Originally Posted by
Ozgrade3
Once level at 10,000 are the a/c packs turned off on the operating engine(s) to minimise the airflow through the cabin and out the new hole.
The checklist will most likely not suggest this. Also, common sense dictates that without full knowledge of what the problem is, the crew will leave everything 'as is' to avoid additional problems. Also, they'll be concentrating on getting the aircraft down to 10,000', sorting out the engine issue and getting back on the ground at the diversion airfield. Theoretically (only that!) you could influence the airflow through the hole by manually selecting the outflow valve to full open, but why fiddle with something when you don't know what other problems you might invite.
Personal views only...