1. Definitions

The phenomenon of explosion in condensed phase (liquid or solid) is often referred to by different names, depending on the circumstances in which it occurs.

A thermal explosion means that an exothermic phenomenon has developed, leading to an explosion.

The term "thermal runaway" is frequently used to refer to a particular reaction, which can also be the exothermic decomposition of a substance.

The term "runaway reaction" is also used to describe the loss of control of an identified chemical reaction that was being implemented in a process.

In English, the expressions thermal explosion and especially runaway reaction are used.