Smoldering combustion analyses
Smoldering combustion propagation through very porous solid materials is examined. Due to the microgravity environment, smolder propagation is assumed to be one-dimensional. Two configurations are considered: (1) cocurrent, premixed-flame-like or reverse; (2) countercurrent, diffusion-flame-like or forward. In cocurrent smoldering combustion, both forced and free flow are analytically represented. It is assumed that the propagation of the smolder wave is steady in a frame of reference moving with the wave. Smoldering is described by a finite-rate, one-step, oxidation reaction, and radiation heat transfer is incorporated using a diffusion approximation. A straightforward extension of the activation energy asymptotics analysis presented by Williams yields an expression for a dimensionless eigenvalue, ..lambda.., thus determining the final temperature, T/sub f/ A global energy balance then determines the smolder velocity, v. Explicit expressions are derived for the smolder velocity, v, and the final temperature, T/sub f/. An approximate extinction criterion is identified. A model of unsteady, forced, countercurrent smoldering combustion is also presented. Smoldering is represented utilizing a two step mechanism consisting of a pyrolysis reaction followed by a char oxidation reaction. A flame sheet approximation is used to model the oxidation reaction. It is assumed that pyrolysis occurs at a known temperature, T/sub p/. Two cases are considered: (1) no residual as, nu/sub a/M/sub a/ = 0, and (2) an ash layer forming beneath the oxidation zone, nu/sub a/M/sub a/ not equal to 0. The residual ash serves as insulation, and its presence leads to higher peak temperatures. Explicit expressions are derived for the oxidation velocity, v, the maximum temperature, T/sub m/, and the pyrolysis front velocity, v/sub p/.
- Research Organization:
- California Univ., Berkeley (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 5412874
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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