Frank-Kamenetskii, a leader in Russian science, was the first to define conditions for two stable operating regimes in chemical reactions, one controlled by chemical reactions, the other by diffusion processes. In this book he treats mathematically the subjects of reaction ignition, quenching, and periodic processes in chemical kinetics as found in flames, combustion of solids, and other chemical reactions. The book was translated from the Russian by the late N. Thou and edited by R. Wilhelm. Originally published in 1955. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Values of diffusion coefficients determined from the observed closing times of nine conical-shaped clearings in fog produced by hovering helicopters at Lewisburg, West Virginia, in September 1969 are presented. The values were established following the method of Elliott, assuming that the geometric and diffusive properties of the clearings and surroundings could be approximated by theoretical equations of the type governing the diffusion of heat and water substance in a bounded, circular cylinder of infinite length, with appropriate specification of the condensation conditions. The diffusion coefficients for the experiments ranged in value from 0.7 to 1.9 x 10 to the 5th power sqcm/sec. Summary diagrams are presented to illustrate how a cylindrical or slot-shaped clearing will close-in with time, dependent on the values of the diffusion coefficient and on the initial temperature and humidity differences between clearing and surrounding.

This book examines very simple atomic reactions to more complex chain reactions involving combustion, flame and the production of polymers.