Can boiling water inside steel cube make it explode?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the hypothetical scenario of boiling water inside a sealed steel cube and whether the resulting steam could cause the cube to explode. Participants explore the implications of pressure buildup, the structural integrity of the steel, and the dangers associated with such an experiment.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that if the walls of the steel cube are thin enough, it may not withstand the pressure from the steam, potentially leading to an explosion.
  • Others reference historical examples of steam boiler explosions to illustrate the risks involved.
  • One participant expresses a desire to conduct the experiment, believing it would be visually impressive, despite warnings about the dangers.
  • Multiple participants caution against attempting the experiment, emphasizing the risks of injury from shrapnel and the unpredictability of explosions.
  • There is a discussion about whether the steel could cause serious damage if it were to explode, with some participants questioning the extent of potential harm.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the dangers of creating an explosion but disagree on the feasibility and safety of the proposed experiment. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific outcomes of such an experiment.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not reach a consensus on the structural limits of the steel cube or the exact nature of the explosion risk, leaving several assumptions unaddressed.

evergrace
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Hello

Lets say we have a steel cube, then fill it with water and close all the gaps very strong with welding. If we leave the cube on a stove for a lot of time, is the produced steam of the boiling water, enough to destroy and smash the steel cube?
 
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What do you think and why?
Does the thickness of the walls of the cube matter?

Google for "boiler explosion".
 
Sure, if the sides of the cube are thin enough it won't be able to withstand the increase in pressure. Steam boilers used in old ships and locomotives could violently explode.

As an example:

2.jpg
 
Ok thanks, i have got my answer. So it is possible. I was just wondering, because the most common thing to hear is that the steam can kick out the lid of the boiler. I would not except, it would be able to destroy even the steel surfaces. I would like to try it one day, it will look very cool.
 
evergrace said:
I would like to try it one day, it will look very cool.

There are plenty of videos online if you want to see a steam explosion. Don't risk yourself or others doing something that you're not experienced with. Seriously, don't freaking do it. Even the explosions of a very small boiler can send shrapnel out that can injure eyes and cut arteries.
 
Drakkith said:
There are plenty of videos online if you want to see a steam explosion. Don't risk yourself or others doing something that you're not experienced with. Seriously, don't freaking do it. Even the explosions of a very small boiler can send shrapnel out that can injure eyes and cut arteries.
Ok thanks for the warning, but i want to try it. I will leave it boiling in a closed room and when i hear the BOOM i will go and check it out.
 
Bad idea. Please don't do it.
 
evergrace said:
Ok thanks for the warning, but i want to try it.

Do not do this. Deliberately creating an out of control explosion is dangerous and phenomenally stupid.
 
Chestermiller said:
Bad idea. Please don't do it.

Vanadium 50 said:
Do not do this. Deliberately creating an out of control explosion is dangerous and phenomenally stupid.
Come on, what can go wrong? The steel cube will be small and i will be out of the room. I am not an expert but i don't think that it is so bad. Can the exploded steel cause serious damage even on the wall?
 
  • #10
Asked and answered. Don't be stupid.

Thread locked.
 

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