"I just like it when stuff blows up"

Having had a look through the other suggestions people have made, i don't know if i can really be of any assistance! However, i do know of a couple of explosion effects that could be suggested as the explosion of Helium - 3 (depite the fact that i know nothing of Chemistry and have absolutely no knowledge of the science behind it! :P) and i would just like to add that i use film examples not because i encourage plaguerism but because they best describe the types of explosions i was thinking of!

1. Star Wars - Attack of the Clones: The Seismic Charge

I'm not suggesting you plaguerise George Lucas' sci-fi epic!!! i just think that this explosion type, in form and colouring could fit the bill for what you are suggesting! (see image #3)

2.The Hindenburg -

I have sufficient knowledge to know that helium itself is inflammable and would not explode like Hydrogen gas does. But i thought the way in which the fire moves and spreads (much like a solar flare) could be used to simulate an explosion and i think the way the explosion causes the airship to sink, as though in water, could be used as well! (image #1)

3. Titan A.E - Earth Destruction -

IF you have seen the film Titan A.E the way in which the earth is destroyed, exploding outwards with multiple fragments flying in all directions could be used in a ship explosion. (image #2)