Explosive fragmentation of melts in contact with a solid surface in subcooled water

An experimental study on the explosive fragmentation of strongly heated lead melt inside a steel cup in distilled subcooled has been conducted. Analysis of high-speed video recordings of the process showed that an explosion can be initiated both with complete and partial hardening of the upper lead melt layer. The observed phenomena are described. The results may be useful for the determination of causes of the initiation of a steam explosion when the melt contacts with a solid surface or is partially crystallized.