thermal explosion

A thermal explosion occurs when the rate of heat released by a chemical reaction exceeds the rate at which heat is lost from the system. This leads to a rapid increase in temperature and an acceleration of the reaction, potentially resulting in an explosion. The theory of thermal explosions considers how temperature rises and fuel is consumed during the initial phase of the reaction.12

Explosions can also be classified as chain explosions, which are driven by an increase in the length of reaction chains, or a combination of thermal and chain reactions. In contrast, nuclear weapons release vast amounts of energy, with a significant portion manifesting as thermal radiation (heat and light) capable of causing burns and starting fires.134