Effect of temperature gradient in sample cells of adiabatic calorimeters on data interpretation

The thermal behavior of sample cells (bombs) of the ARC and VSP adiabatic calorimeters has been investigated by applying mathematical simulation. Influence of temperature gradient in a calorimetric bomb on the inaccuracy of kinetic parameters evaluated from adiabatic data has been analyzed. Then possible errors in kinetics-based predictions caused by the inaccuracy of kinetic parameters were identified by the example of two important hazard indicators – adiabatic time to maximum rate, TMR, and the self-accelerating decomposition temperature, SADT. A new control method for maintaining sample adiabaticity is proposed that provides obtaining the most correct experimental data suitable for creation of reliable kinetics.