Ignition criteria for gasless self-propagating combustion synthesis ha
ve been investigated through an ignition temperature analysis. The cal
culations were based on the dimensionless energy and mass continuity e
quations where the dimensionless parameters associated with the rate o
f local heat generation (beta), activation energy (gamma), the rate of
surface heat loss by convection (omega), the rate of surface heat los
s by radiation (delta), and the rate of reaction (A) were incorporated
. The relative significance of each of these parameters on the ignitio
n of the self-propagating combustion reaction was evaluated to be gamm
a > beta > delta > omega. The ignition region, transition region, and
nonignition region were identified for selected conditions. The correl
ations between ignition behavior and the material properties, the ther
modynamic and kinetic properties, as well as the experimental conditio
ns were discussed. The calculations indicated that only those systems
with DELTAH/C(p) > 1.5 X 10(3) (K) will give rise to a self-propagatin
g combustion reaction without external energy input. Thus, this value
can be used as an approximate guide for the existence of self-sustaini
ng combustion. The calculations provide a sound basis toward interpret
ing experimental observations and developing a fundamental understandi
ng of the process.