- Author
- Kulkarni, A. K. | Brehob, E. G. | Manohar, S. | Nair, R.
- Title
- Turbulent Upward Flame Spread on a Vertical Wall Under External Radiation. Annual Report. August 15, 1990-September 30, 1991.
- Coporate
- Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park
- Sponsor
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD
- Report
- Annual Report, 1991, 39 p.
- Contract
- NIST-GRANT-60NANB8D0849
- Keywords
- flame spread | walls | radiant flux profile | radiation absorption | experiments | mass loss | reflectometers
- Abstract
- Progress made on NIST grant number 60NANB8D0849 for the period August 15, 1990 through September 30, 1991 is reported. In August 1990, we started a major experimental program to study upward flame spread on vertical walls under external radiation. The overall objective is to understand the upward flame spread phenomenon under simulated surrounding fire conditions by establishing a data set for upward flame spread under external radiation, developing a mathematical model, measuring the relevant basic material properties needed, and checking the validity of the model by comparing its results with data. Emphasis is placed on studying and predicting the behavior of practical wall materials used in building and vehicle interiors, and textiles. In the past year, we have designed and setup the facility for upward flame spread experiments in which samples of 30 cm x 120 cm can be irradiated by a heat flux of up to 15 kW/m². Preliminary testing and calibration of the radiant panels has been completed. In addition, three separate series of experiments were designed to determine the spectral in-depth radiation absorption length for semitransparent materials, the transient local mass loss rate for charring and non-charring material slabs under external radiation, and the spectral hemispherical reflectance of burning samples. Of the three, design and setup for the first two series of experiments is complete and measurements are in progress, and the third setup is in fabrication stage. These properties are needed as input to the flame spread model. Mathematical model development is in progress. Experimental data, appropriately validated model, and radiative properties of materials obtained here should be very useful in fire hazard codes for single or multiple enclosures, as well as for assessing material flammability in a relevant orientation.