Lämpöhehkutus

Lämpöhehkutus, also known as thermal runaway, is a process that occurs when the rate of heat generation in a system exceeds the rate at which heat is removed. This positive feedback loop can lead to a rapid and uncontrolled increase in temperature. In many contexts, it refers to a dangerous situation where a chemical reaction or physical process generates heat, and the rising temperature further accelerates the reaction rate, leading to even more heat generation.

This phenomenon can occur in various materials and systems. For instance, in batteries, internal shorts or overcharging can initiate thermal runaway, potentially causing the battery to overheat, vent toxic gases, and even ignite. In industrial processes, exothermic reactions that are not properly controlled can lead to thermal runaway, posing significant safety risks. Self-heating materials, such as certain organic compounds or finely divided metals, can also undergo thermal runaway if stored improperly or exposed to sufficient oxygen and ambient temperature.

The consequences of thermal runaway can be severe, ranging from material degradation and system failure to explosions and fires. Understanding the conditions that lead to thermal runaway and implementing appropriate control measures, such as effective cooling systems, safety interlocks, and material selection, are crucial for preventing such incidents. Monitoring temperature and reaction rates are common strategies to detect and mitigate the onset of thermal runaway before it escalates.