Analysis of the natural initiation of vapor explosions

A model for the initiation phase, which occurs after liquid metal has broken up into droplets, but before the actual explosion is presented. During this time, the liquid metal droplets heat the coolant liquid by radiation across a vapor layer. The droplets cool and the vapor layer decreases in thickness until either direct contact is made or until the dynamics of the vapor film result in instabilities which in turn lead to almost instantaneous boiling.