Effects investigation of particle size and concentration on the ignition, explosion characteristics, and behavior of flame propagation in TC4 titanium alloys

This study comprehensively examines the ignition and flame propagation characteristics of Ti–6Al–4V (TC4) titanium alloys, specifically emphasizing the substantial influence of particle size and concentration on ignition behaviors. Our rigorous experimentation demonstrated that the existence of smaller particles considerably reduces the minimum ignition temperature, thereby intensifying the likelihood of explosions in industrial settings. In addition, an intriguing observation was made that reveals an escalation in the rate of flame propagation as the concentration of particles increases. This escalation reaches its maximum velocity of 14.79 m/s when the dust concentration reaches 1518 g/m³, specifically for 13 μm alloy dust. This study offers valuable understanding of the complex explosion hazards associated with TC4 titanium alloy powders and lays the groundwork for developing more rigorous safety protocols in related industries. Our research offers a thorough examination of the combustibility characteristics of titanium alloys, effectively addressing a significant knowledge deficiency. This study provides a robust quantitative basis for establishing safety guidelines, advocating for safer material handling, and enhancing processing practices. The results derived from this study are vital for industry professionals and researchers, as they offer a comprehensive understanding of the explosion risks linked to titanium alloys and enable the adoption of enhanced safety protocols.