The thermal behavior of sample cells (bombs) of the ARC and VSP adiabatic calorimeters has been investigated by applying mathematical simulation. Influence of temperature gradient in a calorimetric bomb on the inaccuracy of kinetic parameters evaluated from adiabatic data has been analyzed. Then possible errors in kinetics-based predictions caused by the inaccuracy of kinetic parameters were identified by the example of two important hazard indicators - adiabatic time to maximum rate, TMR, and the self-accelerating decomposition temperature, SADT. A new control method for maintaining sample adiabaticity is proposed that provides obtaining the most correct experimental data suitable for creation of reliable kinetics. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.