- 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.