Guest Lecture FP 588: Practical Explosion Analysis: Case Studies - Elizabeth Buc, PhD, PE, IAAI CFI

Fire Protection Engineering Department
Guest Lecture FP 588: Practical Explosion Analysis: Case Studies
Unusual Explosions
Elizabeth Buc, PhD, PE, IAAI CFI
Fire and Materials Research Laboratory, LLC, Livonia, MI 48150
Monday, November 10, 2025
1:00 – 3:00 pm EST
Zoom Link: https://wpi.zoom.us/j/92172448369 (online only)
 

Abstract
Illustrative case studies: not your typical explosion
a. Evolution of hydrogen gas as SiC reaction by-product
b. Adiabatic compression of nitromethane at nitroparaffin plant
c. Frictional ignition of powder form oxidizer
d. Frictional ignition of combustible metals: moist particulate zirconium
e. Mass detonation of primers

Unusual explosions are characterized by: 1) not-so-typical fuels, 2) not-so-typical ignition sources, and 3) rare but foreseeable circumstances. This lecture will introduce students to a range of atypical fuels and ignition scenarios that, under specific circumstances, resulted in an explosion and how knowledge of chemistry and investigation methodology arrived at the root cause. Overcoming challenges associated with investigating explosions will also be discussed.
Elizabeth C. Buc, PhD has over 25 years of professional experience in the examination of burnt and broken things to determine the cause of failure and whether the failure contributed to the cause of loss. Losses range from fires and explosions to lifting device failures and plumbing components. Dr. Buc trains others in fire investigation methodology and water damage claim investigations. She has testified in deposition over 100 times and in trial over 12 times. She was awarded a Professional Excellence Award from the Michigan State Police for her work in a murder trial. https://fmrl-llc.com/meet-dr-buc/

This lecture is offered as part of FP 588 taught by Prof. Vyto Babrauskas for the Explosion Protection Engineering (XPE) – A new and exciting interdisciplinary MS program by Aerospace, Chemical Civil, Fire Protection, and Mechanical Engineering at WPI.

https://www.wpi.edu/academics/study/master-science-explosion-protection-engineering