get_peak_onset_via_max_slope() This method serves to determine a reaction's onset based on the tangent of maximum heat flow and the minimum heat flow found during the dormant period relying on the get_maximum_slope() and get_dormant_perio d_heatflow()-methods, respectively. The characteristic time t is is inferred from the intersection of the maximum slope tangent and the horizontal line through the minimum heat flow during the dormant period as indicated in Figure .