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Flame Spread and Extinction in Partial-Gravity EnvironmentsConsiderable progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms of spreading flames under certain conditions, nearly all under the influence of normal Earth gravity. Recently, several investigators have studied some aspects of flame spread in purely forced flows in microgravity. However, very few have considered (especially experimentally) purely-buoyant flow influences, using gravity as a variable. In addition to the scientific interest in understanding how variable gravity affects flame spread in purely-buoyant flow, prospective human exploration of the Moon and Mars provides an incentive to obtain practical knowledge for use in fire-safety related engineering and mission operations in those partial-gravity environments. The purpose of this research effort is to conduct a focused experimental effort to observe the behavior of flames spreading both upward (concurrent flow) and downward (opposed flow) over thin fuels in partial-gravity environments, and to extend an existing numerical model of flame spread to predict flammability and flame spread behavior in these two regimes. A significant aspect of the experimental effort is to use a special device to improve the simulated partial-gravity environment achievable aboard reduced-gravity aircraft facilities.
Document ID
19990054085
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
K R Sacksteder
(Glenn Research Center Cleveland, Ohio, United States)
P V Ferkul ORCID
(Glenn Research Center Cleveland, Ohio, United States)
J S T'ien
(Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, Ohio, United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1999
Publication Information
Publication: Fifth International Microgravity Combustion Workshop
Publisher: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Subject Category
Materials Processing
Meeting Information
Meeting: 5th International Microgravity Combustion Workshop
Location: Cleveland, OH
Country: US
Start Date: May 18, 1999
End Date: May 20, 1999
Sponsors: Glenn Research Center
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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