Can boiling water inside steel cube make it explode?

AI Thread Summary
Boiling water inside a sealed steel cube can lead to an explosion due to steam pressure buildup, especially if the walls are thin. Historical steam boiler explosions demonstrate the potential for violent outcomes. Despite warnings against experimentation, some participants express a desire to try it, underestimating the risks involved. The discussion emphasizes the dangers of creating an uncontrolled explosion, with potential for serious injury from shrapnel. Ultimately, the thread concludes with a strong admonition against attempting such a dangerous experiment.
evergrace
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Hello

Lets say we have a steel cube, then fill it with water and close all the gaps very strong with welding. If we leave the cube on a stove for a lot of time, is the produced steam of the boiling water, enough to destroy and smash the steel cube?
 
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What do you think and why?
Does the thickness of the walls of the cube matter?

Google for "boiler explosion".
 
Sure, if the sides of the cube are thin enough it won't be able to withstand the increase in pressure. Steam boilers used in old ships and locomotives could violently explode.

As an example:

2.jpg
 
Ok thanks, i have got my answer. So it is possible. I was just wondering, because the most common thing to hear is that the steam can kick out the lid of the boiler. I would not except, it would be able to destroy even the steel surfaces. I would like to try it one day, it will look very cool.
 
evergrace said:
I would like to try it one day, it will look very cool.

There are plenty of videos online if you want to see a steam explosion. Don't risk yourself or others doing something that you're not experienced with. Seriously, don't freaking do it. Even the explosions of a very small boiler can send shrapnel out that can injure eyes and cut arteries.
 
Drakkith said:
There are plenty of videos online if you want to see a steam explosion. Don't risk yourself or others doing something that you're not experienced with. Seriously, don't freaking do it. Even the explosions of a very small boiler can send shrapnel out that can injure eyes and cut arteries.
Ok thanks for the warning, but i want to try it. I will leave it boiling in a closed room and when i hear the BOOM i will go and check it out.
 
Bad idea. Please don't do it.
 
evergrace said:
Ok thanks for the warning, but i want to try it.

Do not do this. Deliberately creating an out of control explosion is dangerous and phenomenally stupid.
 
Chestermiller said:
Bad idea. Please don't do it.

Vanadium 50 said:
Do not do this. Deliberately creating an out of control explosion is dangerous and phenomenally stupid.
Come on, what can go wrong? The steel cube will be small and i will be out of the room. I am not an expert but i don't think that it is so bad. Can the exploded steel cause serious damage even on the wall?
 
  • #10
Asked and answered. Don't be stupid.

Thread locked.
 
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