A Review of Large Scale and Small Scale Underwater Thermal Explosions
Abstract
This report contains a review of large scale propagating thermal explosions and small scale single drop explosions. The review of large scale propagating thermal explosions identifies potential thermal explosive systems, as well as the experimental conditions and geometrical configurations, conducive to the establishment of thermal detonations. The review of small scale single drop explosions identifies experimental data relevant to the design of detonating systems of thermal explosives. In addition, the effect of various thermodynamic parameters on the strength of both spontaneous and triggered single drop explosions is predicted qualitatively based on two promising fragmentation mechanisms; a new vapour/gas melt supersaturation mechanism and the water entrapment mechanism. It is shown that the vapour destabilization and nucleation phenomena which constitute the heart of the two fragmentation mechanisms govern single drop thermal explosions. The experimental data, however, is neither conclusive nor sufficient for the development of a predictive model. For some molten metal water systems (Al/water), the data was found to be incomplete and in the case of Fe-Al2O3/water, a system of particular interest, there is no available data.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA222658
Entities
People
- M. Rizk