The sensitivity of a one-dimensional model, built to simulate the non-steady radial combustion propagation on thin circular samples of Fe2O3/aluminiurn thermite mixtures, was tested in relation to its least reliable thermophysical properties and to non-homogeneities in the initial reactant media. Zero order kinetics and conductive/radiafive heat transfer were considered. The model is quite insensitive to variations of most of the properties studied. The highest sensitivity detected concerned aluminium conductivity. The non-uniform reactant mixing significantly affected the results, suggesting that experimental variability is partially explained by this feature. (c) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.