Fire properties of combustible materials from unsteady burning. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lyon, Richard E.; Crowley, Sean
• Is Part Of: Fire safety journal. Volume 120(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Fire calorimetry -- Steady burning -- Unsteady burning -- Heat release parameter; Fire prevention -- Periodicals; Incendies -- Prévention -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Fire prevention -- Research; Periodicals; 628.92205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.firesaf.2020.103054
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-7112

Abstract

Abstract: Six (6) polymers, 2–6 mm thick, were tested in a cone calorimeter by a standard method at various external heat fluxes (irradiance). The ratio of the effective heat of combustion to the effective heat of gasification per unit mass of volatile fuel, H c / H g, also known at the heat release parameter (HRP) or combustibility ratio, was obtained as a sample average for unsteady burning at multiple heat fluxes. Global values of H c / H g from unsteady burning are biased by heat flux dependent losses during the test, but are generally within the range of literature values for steady burning. Linearization of the unsteady energy balance provides a parameter (γ) that is the efficiency with which radiant energy is converted to combustion energy. This parameter is in the range, γ = 0.6–0.9, for the polymers of this study. Highlights: Six (6) polymers of thickness 2–6 mm were tested in a cone calorimeter over a range of radiant heat flux. The effective heat of combustion H c divided by the heat of gasification H g was obtained from the heat release rate history. Sample heat losses by surface reradiation can increase with heat flux, causing uncertainty in H c / H g . Values of H c / H g for unsteady burning of 6 polymers are in the range of literature values for steady burning.