IGNITION OF FLAMMABLE GASSES IN OF METAL FRACTURE CRUDE‐OIL TANKERS AS A RESULT

A literature search and an energy analysis show that the energiea generated and the temperaturn developed by metal fracture are not sufficient to ignite a flammable mixture of hydrocarbon vapor and air directly. It was concluded from this study that If metal fracture were to be a cause of ignition, it would be by an indirect proce%s. The most likely c a w of ignition resulting from metal fracture would be due to frictional impact or Mction of fractured metal structural membere with each other or with other objects. It was flea concluded that normal impact (without friction) or single rubbings would not generate sufficient energy for idtion unlesa friction sparks also resulted.