The temperature distribution in the combustible dust deposits placed in hot environments is described by a differential equation, according to the thermal theory. The temperature profiles of the dust deposits at any time could be calculated at various ambient temperatures by solving the equation using the finite element method. Thus, the minimum ambient temperature for ignition, which is defined as the ignition temperature, and the induction time to ignition could be determined. With a cylindrical cork dust deposit (volume=3.2×10
-3m
3, radius=0.08m), the resulting temperature distribution in the radial direction at any time agrees well with the experimental data currently reported by Leuschke, except for extremely high ambient temperatures. Therefore, it is practicable to estimate the spontaneous ignition behavior of dust deposits by computer simulation.
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