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U.S. Department of Energy
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Dynamics of vapor explosions. Final technical report. [Butane, pentane, isopentane and ethyl ether]

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6996904

This report is divided into two parts, describing the results of two major projects carried out since the inception of the research. Part one deals with dynamics of explosive boiling of a droplet. The dynamical behavior of unstable boiling of single droplets (1 to 2 mm diameter) of several hydrocarbons, butane, pentane, isopentane and ethyl ether, at the superheat limit is exhibited in detail. In part two, shock-induced explosive boiling of a droplet, the role of incident shock waves in the initiation of vapors explosions in volatile liquid hydrocarbons, isopentane and ethyl ether, is investigated. A simple calculation is given, which suggests that shock focusing may influence the location at which unstable boiling is initiated. 45 refs., 25 figs. (AT)

Research Organization:
California Inst. of Tech., Pasadena (USA). Graduate Aeronautical Labs.
DOE Contract Number:
AS03-80ER10634
OSTI ID:
6996904
Report Number(s):
DOE/ER/10634-1; ON: DE87002212
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English