Experiments in a spherical bomb with central ignition using ethane-air mixtures of variable composition ([C2H6] = 3.4-7.6 vol%), at various initial pressures (p(0) = 30-130 kPa) and initial temperatures (T-0 = 298-423 K) afforded the calculation of the normal burning velocities S-u and propagation velocities S-s. The normal burning velocities (NBV) were determined from the coefficients of the cubic law of pressure rise during the early stage of explosion, using a previously proposed procedure. The propagation velocities (PV) were calculated from the normal burning velocities using the expansion coefficient of the unburnt gas during isobaric combustion. The experimental NBVs are examined against computed values, obtained with the package INSFLA for free laminar premixed flames, using the mechanism CH4-C-4 based on 53 chemical species, which participate to 592 elementary reactions. The baric and thermal coefficients of NBVs and of PVs are determined and discussed in comparison with literature data. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.