A possible mechanism of triggering a vapor explosion

Abstract

Relations are derived which enable one to assess the size of fragments of a liquid-metal droplet after its fragmentation formed in the case of instantaneous contact between a hot metal surface and a coolant. The obtained experimental data demonstrate that the amplitude of pressure pulses generated during vapor film collapse (second boiling crisis) is several times lower than the values required for triggering a spontaneous vapor explosion. The assumption is validated according to which progress in studying the process of triggering a spontaneous vapor explosion is associated primarily with advances in understanding the mechanism of fragmentation of individual droplet.