Thermo-kinetic explosions: Safety first or safety last?

Abstract

Gas and vapor explosions have been involved in industrial accidents since the beginnings of industry. A century ago, at 11:55 am on Friday September 24, 1920, the petroleum barge Warwick exploded in London’s docklands and seven men were killed. Understanding what happened when it blew up as it was being refurbished, and how to prevent similar explosions, involves fluid mechanics and thermodynamics plus chemistry. I recount the 1920 accident as an example, together with the history of thermo-kinetic explosions prior to 1920 and up to the present day, and I review the history and the actual state of the science of explosion and the roles of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and chemistry in that science. The science of explosions has been aware of its societal implications from the beginning, but, despite advances in health and safety over the past century, is there still work to do?