- Author
- Ohlemiller, T. J.
- Title
- Smoldering Combustion Propagation Through a Permeable Horizontal Fuel Layer.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD
- Report
- WSS/CI 83-05
- Book or Conf
- Combustion Institute/Western States Section. Spring Meeting, 1983. April 11-12, 1983, Pasadena, CA, 28 p., 1983
- Keywords
- smoldering combustion
- Abstract
- The propagation process in the smoldering combustion of permeable fuels has been investigated parametrically by several authors. The configurations studied ranged from horizontal layers of particles in stagnant or flowing air to cylindrical masses of particles in open air, to flat layers of fibers of varying density in open air and to packed beds of particles with air forced through. There have been relatively few studies of the structure of such smolder waves with a view toward identification of controlling mechanisms in the propagation. Models of the propagation process are all one-dimensional and rather limited in their applicability. There is a definite need for further detailed studies on the structure of propagating smolder waves and for models that can describe the quantitative balance of the thermophysical and chemical processes involved. The present state of knowledge falls well short of allowing one to construct effective means of controlling smoldering combustion. The present study is directed at shedding light on a specific smoldering propagation problem, that in horizontal layers of loose-fill cellulosic insulation. However, cellulosic materials cause smoldering problems in a number of contexts and the reslts here should have at least qualtitative applicability in other problem areas with cellulosics.