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Author
Mitler, H. E.
Title
Algorithm for the Mass-Loss Rate of Burning Wall.
Coporate
National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD
Report
NBSIR 87-3682, December 1987, 26 p.
Distribution
Available from National Technical Information Service
Keywords
algorithms | burning rate | computer models | fire models | pyrolysis rate | wall fires | oxygen concentration
Identifiers
computational models
Abstract
A derivation is given for a simple algorithm which yields the quasi-steady burning rate of a vertical panel of non-charring, non-melting material in an enclosure with stratification of temperature and oxygen concentration. The algorithm requires the solution of a transcendental equation; it is suggested that this be done by successive approximations. Among the thermophysical data which are needed, are the mean flame temperature and the height-dependent absorption coefficient K(Z). It is found from experiment that K(Z) is well described for PMMA by a two-parameter expression linear in 1/Z. Comparison with a transient experiment yields good agreement over much of the ranges.