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I haven't thought of any dignified scientific questions to ask about these explosions, so I'll post this link in general discussions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FG1LGKieTxY#t=167
Mysterious Explosions: What Could They Be?
- Thread starter Stephen Tashi
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around a series of mysterious explosions captured in a video, with participants exploring potential causes and sharing related experiences. The scope includes technical explanations of explosion phenomena, personal anecdotes, and reactions to the video content.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant suggests that the explosions may be caused by BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion), explaining that cylinders typically rupture at their weakest point, often along a weld seam.
- Another participant recalls a specific incident involving an LPG railway tank car that exploded and traveled a significant distance, highlighting the dramatic nature of such events.
- Several participants express excitement and amusement at the explosions, comparing them to fireworks and commenting on the sounds heard in the video.
- There are observations about the behavior of individuals in the video, particularly a police officer who appears to initially underestimate the danger of the situation.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a mix of fascination and humor regarding the explosions, but there is no consensus on the specific causes or implications of the events depicted in the video. Multiple viewpoints and reactions are present without resolution.
Contextual Notes
Some explanations provided by participants may depend on specific assumptions about the conditions of the explosions and the materials involved, which are not fully detailed in the discussion.
- #2
davenn
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cool !
reminds me of some of the training videos we ( I and fellow firemen) used to watch for fire service training back in New Zealand
These cylinders rupturing are most likely to be caused by BLEVE's (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion)
The cylinder will rupture along the weakest point ( often along a weld seam)
In most cases the cylinder doesn't rupture at the point where the flame is impinging on it ( unless the contents is at gas rather than liquid pressure) as the liquid conducts the heat away from the impinging point. As it boils and vaporises and fills the cavity in the cylinder the pressure continues to rise till rupture occurs
EDIT: after reading what I wrote several times, I realized my incomplete explanation ...
That is, of course, unless the flame is impinging on the cylinder above the liquid level.
In that case, that will be the point where the metal is weakened by heat and it will fail there.cheers
Dave
reminds me of some of the training videos we ( I and fellow firemen) used to watch for fire service training back in New Zealand
These cylinders rupturing are most likely to be caused by BLEVE's (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion)
The cylinder will rupture along the weakest point ( often along a weld seam)
In most cases the cylinder doesn't rupture at the point where the flame is impinging on it ( unless the contents is at gas rather than liquid pressure) as the liquid conducts the heat away from the impinging point. As it boils and vaporises and fills the cavity in the cylinder the pressure continues to rise till rupture occurs
EDIT: after reading what I wrote several times, I realized my incomplete explanation ...
That is, of course, unless the flame is impinging on the cylinder above the liquid level.
In that case, that will be the point where the metal is weakened by heat and it will fail there.cheers
Dave
Last edited:
- #3
PhysicoRaj
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OMG this is amazing! Look at those rocketing cylinders! Nice to know about that BLEVE's..
- #4
davenn
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One video I remember from a way back in the day ...
was an LPG railway tankcar that the end blew out of and the tank rocketed 700 metres, crossed a river and partly buried itself in the far side river bank. a picture that has always stayed in my mind
'
there are masses of other big bang videos on youtube, have a look at a few of them
cheers
Dave
was an LPG railway tankcar that the end blew out of and the tank rocketed 700 metres, crossed a river and partly buried itself in the far side river bank. a picture that has always stayed in my mind
'
there are masses of other big bang videos on youtube, have a look at a few of them
cheers
Dave
- #5
PhysicoRaj
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davenn said:there are masses of other big bang videos on youtube, have a look at a few of them
Yeah, I just started off clicking on those suggested videos and saw many!
- #6
Psinter
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Sorry, but I have to say this... Awesome! Like fireworks, boom! Ahahaha!
Is someone playing a Nokia game there? (I heard some Nokia sounds)
Is someone playing a Nokia game there? (I heard some Nokia sounds)
- #7
davenn
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Psinter said:
you heard police sirens and what sounded like mobile phone ringing
and lots of explosions
- #8
AlephZero
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I love the way "PC Plodski" sits in his car until the excitement is over, then things "Duh --- maybe this is dangerous" and backs off to a safer distance at the end of the video 
- #9
davenn
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yeah ... seemed to take him a long time to comprehend how the dangerous situation was that he was in
D
D
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