Burning Velocities of Uranium and Zirconium in Air

Abstract

Measurements were made of the maximum burning temperatures and the propagation velocities along strips of uranium and zirconium foils and wires burning in air. Measurements were made using either a high-speed motion picture camera or a specially constructed two-slit electronic pyrometer. Burning temperatures and propagation velocities were measured as a function of both sample width and sample thickness. It was found that burning propagation velocities could be reasonably well described by a thermal propagation theory similar to one applied to flame propagation in gases. Variation of propagation rates with thickness and width of foil were correctly described by the theory. The results of the study are applicable to the combustion of isoiated pieces of uranium and zirconium scrap but not directly to the more complicated case of the combustion of large aggregates. Some of the additional factors involved in large aggregate fires are discussed. (auth)