RECENT PROGRESS IN THE UNDERSTANDING OF STEAM EXPLOSIONS

If a hot liquid contacts a cold volatile liquid, a violent explosion may result. Such explosions are physical in character and involve a complex sequence of events. Initially, the liquids mix on a coarse scale and the system is relatively quiescent. However, if a suitable triggering event occurs, a violent shock-driven propagation can follow, which results in the generation of very high pressures and damage to surrounding structures. In this paper, we present a brief description of the various industries affected by such explosions and describe the underlying sequence of events which leads to these explosions. We then summarize the recent progress which has been made in this area and describe a new initiatve which we believe will benefit all those with an interest in this phenomenon.