The Role of Heat Conduction in Thermal Gaseous Explosions

Abstract

The theory recently developed by Frank‐Kamenetzky for thermal explosions in which heat is removed by conduction only, has been applied to the azomethane, ethyl azide and methyl nitrate explosions. A fairly detailed discussion has been given of the experimental results and their relation to the theory. In the case of azomethane and ethyl azide the conclusion is reached that at low pressures thermal conduction as contrasted to convection is an important, if not the exclusive, method of removal of heat from the reacting gas, with deviation appearing at high pressures. As was already concluded by Rice and Campbell, the results appear to indicate that the methyl nitrate explosion is not a thermal explosion. Certain criticisms directed by Frank‐Kamenetzky against the determination of the heat of reaction from the induction period, as carried out by Rice and Campbell, have been considered and refuted.