an explosion that occurs when oxygen is rapidly introduced into a superheated, but oxygen-poor, confined space. For example, if a fire occurs in a well-sealed room, it will burn until it uses up the oxygen in the room. This burning can intensely heat the atmosphere in the room, and its contents. As the fire starves for oxygen, it leaves fuels incompletely burned and superheated. If oxygen is rapidly introduced into this environment, such as by opening the door, the superheated pyrolysis products can explode in rapid combustion.
|