Experiments on Extinction of Fires by Airblast; Flame Displacement as an Extinction Mechanism

摘要

Current uncertainties regarding interactions of blast waves on fires preclude reliable estimates of the outcome of a nuclear attack on the United States. This study focuses on the threshold air-blast condition for extinguishing fires initiated by thermal radiation. Flame blowout tests with simulated nuclear air-blast waves were conducted in the SRI-developed shock-tube facility on class-B fires both in a flat plate geometry and stabilized behind barriers. The results support the concept of flame displacement as a mechanism of extinguishment. Data on class A fuels in practical configurations are needed next. (Author)