The initial‐boundary value problems for a Sobolev equation with exponential nonlinearities, classical, and nonclassical boundary conditions are considered. For this model, which describes processes in crystalline semiconductors, the blow‐up phenomena are studied. The sufficient blow‐up conditions and the blow‐up time are analyzed by the method of the test functions. This analytical a priori information is used in the numerical experiments, which are able to determine the process of the solution's blow‐up more accurately. The model derivation and some questions of local solvability and uniqueness are also discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.