Modeling of the Heat Release Rate Curve of Rigid Plastic Combustibles Based on their Geometrical Properties and Constituent Materials

Abstract

In this study, we conducted the modeling and generalization of the heat release rate of rigid plastic combustibles with respect to their geometrical properties. The modeling and generalization was carried out using the model proposed by Natori, which is based on the combustion behavior of wooden furniture. Previous studies that have reported the combustion of printers were used for the modeling of the heat release rate of rigid plastic combustibles. The reported heat release rate measurements of the printers were examined to determine their applicability to Natori's model. After their applicability was confirmed, to generalize the heat release rate curve, heat release rate parameters of the combustibles were analyzed with respect to their geometrical properties and constituent materials. The combustibles were classified into two groups based on their geometrical properties, and the fire growth rate, maximum heat release rate, and decay rate represented the heat release rate parameters. Furthermore, the parameters were analyzed as a function of the apparent density of the combustibles. The fire growth rate and maximum heat release rate exhibited a relatively evident correlation with the apparent density, which indicated that an accurate estimation of the heat release rate curve can be obtained from the external dimensions and weight of the combustibles.