What factor determines the maximum differential pressure in a pressurized cabin?

The maximum differential pressure in a pressurized cabin is determined by the structural strength of the cabin. This strength is critical because it defines how much pressure the materials used in the cabin's construction can withstand without deforming or failing. As the cabin is pressurized, the difference in pressure between the inside and the outside of the aircraft increases. If the pressure difference exceeds what the structural materials can handle, it could lead to catastrophic failure.

Key factors like cabin volume, external air pressure, and temperature differences do influence various aspects of pressurization and flight operations, but they do not directly set a limit on how much differential pressure a cabin can safely handle. Instead, it is the material properties, design integrity, and overall engineering of the aircraft structure that primarily determine this maximum safe differential pressure. Understanding this concept is essential for ensuring the safety and functionality of pressurized aircraft systems.