Dust and powder particles transfer heat to adjoining particles creating a chain reaction during the combustion phase. Following this, and during the primary stages of an explosion, the heat and gasses produced by combustion can lead to an increase in pressure. Pmax, therefore, provides data on the maximum achievable pressure that can be generated during an explosion. If an explosion begins in a closed vessel that is strong enough to contain the combustion phase, then the dust cloud will continue to burn until there is not enough fuel or air left.