Targeted Extinguishing of Fire Through the Propagation of Acoustic Waves

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyse the use of longitudinal sound pressure waves to effectively extinguish fires. This was done by testing acoustic pressure waves at multiple frequencies and distances to effectively cool the fire, depriving it of heat and thereby extinguishing it. The study theoretically confirms that fire can indeed be extinguished by cooling through the application of directed sound waves. To do this, the study proves that the rate of heat gained by the air from the fire was greater than the rate of heat generated by the fuel, which meant that the fire would get extinguished. It was then experimented with camphor-induced fires and a ready-to-buy subwoofer to confirm the earlier research. After successful verification that fire can be extinguished using acoustic-pressure waves, the study optimises this extinguishing. To do this, a frequency generator circuit is created to experiment with different waveforms and frequencies. Further, experimentation was done with acoustic lensing and vortex tubes to concentrate the sound towards the fire. Code was written and implemented to detect the fire itself and then align the vortex channel and optimise the sound wave to efficiently extinguish the fire. This research and development paves the way for a revolution in how fires are approached. Acoustic fire extinguishing can not only provide a cheaper and environmentally friendly method of extinguishing fire but also save millions of lives.