Heat Transfer In Fires Research Articles

Forecasting the flame geometry and ground received radiative heat fluxes of two parallel adjacent fires of hydrocarbon fuel with crosswinds

Radiative heat transfer in fires is a critical parameter and a key aspect of gas storage and fire prevention design. In this study, the flame geometric scale characteristics and ground-received radiative heat fluxes from two parallel adjacent hydrocarbon fuel fires with crosswinds were examined. The separation distance between the two parallel flames, crosswind speed, and heat release rates were considered. The experimental results indicated that the flame tilt angle of the two parallel flames increased with increasing crosswinds. The horizontal flame length scale of the two adjacent parallel flames first increased with the crosswind until a critical point was reached, followed by a fluctuation with a further increase in the wind speed. To further quantify this flame phenomenon, a physical model of the flame interaction between two parallel fires under the effects of crosswinds was proposed. The model analyzed major factors affecting the geometrical parameters of the flame, including the inertial force caused by the crosswind, thermal buoyancy from flame combustion, and the interaction and separation distance between the two fires. Additionally, correlations between the flame tilt angle and the horizontal flame length scale of the two adjacent flames were proposed. It was also demonstrated that the ground-received downstream radiative heat fluxes were the dominant parameters determining flame spread. Based on the assumption of the flame geometry of two adjacent parallel fires, the viewing factor was revised, and the relationship between the position of the radiant point and the horizontal length of the flame was considered in the flame model. Furthermore, based on the updated viewing factor of two parallel adjacent flames, a prediction model of ground-received radiative heat fluxes was proposed, which successfully estimated the variation of ground-received downstream radiative heat flux profiles along the centerline of the two parallel flames under crosswind conditions. This estimation is crucial for future fire research, particularly cross-wind-related experiments.

Editorial-Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer in Fires

Editorial-Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer in Fires

Validation experiments to determine radiation partitioning of heat flux to an object in a fully turbulent fire

An experimental study was performed to determine the fraction of the heat flux that is due to radiation (sometimes referred to as radiation partitioning of the total heat flux measurement) to a calorimeter engulfed in a large methanol pool fire to improve understanding and develop high-quality data for the validation of fire models. Diagnostics employed include Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS), Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), total and radiative thermometry, and thermocouples. Data are presented not only for the physics measurements but also for all initial and boundary conditions required as necessary inputs to computational models. The large physical scale, the experimental design (enhanced convection relative to radiation heat transfer), the use of independent measurement techniques, and the attention to data quality, provide a unique dataset that emphasizes the convective component to support numerical fire model validation for convective and radiative heat transfer in fires.

Radiative Heat Transfer in Fires

Radiative Heat Transfer in Fires

Heat Transfer in Fire across a Wall in Shallow Floor Structure

Shallow floor structures have good inherent fire resistance. With no added protection to the steel section, their fire resistance rating is 1 h. However, when the bottom plate of such sections is exposed directly to fire, heat can be transferred along the steel to adjacent compartments. If the steel is also bare in the adjacent compartments, its temperature will increase. The extent of such a temperature increase is the subject of the present work. Computer modeling based on heat transfer theories has shown that without protection the temperature in bare steel sections in compartments adjacent to the fire may rise significantly to unacceptable levels. With some minimal fire protection for sections near the wall, any temperature rise is much reduced. Therefore, although shallow floor construction does not normally need fire protection, partial shielding at compartment corners is still required. The analysis is based on a previously developed heat transfer model.

A Study on Modeling of Fire in Small Scale Buildings (2) - Modeling on Heat Transfer in Fire -

A Study on Modeling of Fire in Small Scale Buildings (2) - Modeling on Heat Transfer in Fire -

Heat transfer in fires: Thermophysics, social aspects, economic impact, P. L. Blackshear (ed.), Scripta; Washington, D.C. (1974). 513 pages. $28.50

Heat transfer in fires: Thermophysics, social aspects, economic impact, P. L. Blackshear (ed.), Scripta; Washington, D.C. (1974). 513 pages. $28.50

Heat Transfer in Fire

The essential role played by heat and mass transfer processes in fire is discussed, and the need for the development of an understanding of fire through the application of analysis and modeling techniques so successful in heat transfer is indicated. Practical design for fire protection today stands where heat transfer design stood 50 years ago. Many of the same techniques that changed heat transfer design from an empirical to a rational process can similarly transform fire safety design and fire control operations.