Evaluation of models and important parameters for firebrand burning

Abstract

Understanding the parameters that affect firebrand burning conditions is needed to quantify and model heat transfer from firebrands to combustible surfaces. In this research, an experimental and analytical effort was conducted to determine the variable relationships that control firebrand burning. A series of experiments were performed to quantify the mass loss rate, temperature, and char diameter change with time for single and arrays of cylindrical firebrands. An analytical model was developed to predict the time dependent burning of firebrands including ash accumulation in forced flow conditions. Six different methods for predicting char oxidation were included in the model to identify the best approach for predicting firebrand burning. Based on the simulation results, the model with char oxidation determined using the heat and mass transfer Reynolds analogy provided the best results with predicted temperatures, char diameter, and mass loss rates within 5%, 4%, and 29% of the single firebrand test data, respectively. Higher differences were predicted with arrays of firebrands, which was attributed to the complex flow field that develops around the firebrands. Analysis of the analytical equations was used to identify the variable relationships affecting firebrand temperature, mass loss rate, char diameter, and burning duration.