An elementary discussion of forward smoldering
- Hong Kong Univ. of Science and Technology, Kowloon (Hong Kong). Mathematics Dept.
- McMaster Univ., Hamilton, Ontario (Canada). Dept. of Mathematics and Statistics
Smoldering combustion is the heterogeneous exothermic reaction of a porous solid fuel. The authors describe an elementary model of one-dimensional unsteady forward smoldering, purged of all unnecessary physics. Following work of Dosanjh and Pagni, a late time solution is constructed, characterized by two reaction fronts--an exothermic oxidation front, an unusual kind of diffusion flame; and an endothermic pyrolysis front. It is shown that the flame temperature and the ratio of the speeds of the two fronts relative to the solid are independent of the blowing rate, in agreement with data obtained by Ohlemiller and Lucca. The structure of the oxidation front is described in the context of one-step Arrhenius kinetics, and it is shown that leakage of solid reactant through the front is possible, but not leakage of oxygen. An elementary pyrolysis structure is also examined which reduces to the frontal model in a certain limit, and clarifies its nature.
- OSTI ID:
- 215653
- Journal Information:
- Combustion and Flame, Journal Name: Combustion and Flame Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 104; ISSN CBFMAO; ISSN 0010-2180
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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