ISSN: 0022-1198
Page Count: 6

Aspects of the Investigation of the Chemical Processes of Self-Heating as a Fire Cause by Means of Quantitative Thermal Analysis
Hellmiss, G
Head of physics section and forensic scientist, Forensic Science Institute of the Bundeskriminalamt,

W, Schwanebeck
Head of physics section and forensic scientist, Forensic Science Institute of the Bundeskriminalamt,

(Received 18 April 1984; accepted 10 September 1984)

Abstract

A procedure for the investigation of chemical self-heating processes as possible fire causes is presented. The temperature rise for adiabatic conditions is calculated from reaction enthalpy and specific heat and compared with the relevant ignition temperature of the system. The thermodynamic data can be provided by means of differential scanning calorimetry. Additional information can be obtained from thermogravimetric measurements.

Keywords:
forensic science, fires, thermal analysis, fire investigation, self-heating (spontaneous ignition), measuring method, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry

Paper ID: JFS11835J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11835J
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