A 35CrMo steel gas cylinder bursted during heat treatment. The macroscopic inspection, micro analysis, mechanical test and chemical composition analysis of the sample were carried out, as well as site simulation and finite element analysis. The results show that the combustible gas, generated from the combination of graphite adhering to the inner wall of sealing cylinder and water at high temperature, reacting with oxygen cause explosion, producing instantaneous high pressure, and then causing the gas cylinde to burst. © 201...