An experimental study on flame geometry in wind-blown pool fires and a new dimensionless parameter

Abstract

In order to study the relationship between wind speed and such combustion characteristics as pool fire flame length, tilt angle, combustion mass loss rate and heat release rate, a small round diesel pool fire with wind-blown experimental platform was built. The wind speed was 0–1 m/s and the oil pan diameters were 0.218 m, 0.175 m and 0.13 m, respectively. A new dimensionless parameter Hr is defined to describe the effects of buoyancy, initial momentum and horizontal wind force on flame length and tilt angle. The results show that when 0<Hr<0.33, horizontal wind can enhance flame length. When Hr≥0.33, it exerts a suppressive effect on flame length. A prediction model of the relation between flame length, tilt angle and Hr is introduced. In addition, an expression of flame tilt angle in relation to dimensionless wind speed u*, as well as the empirical equations of mass loss rate and heat release rate of pool fire in relation to horizontal wind speed was obtained experimentally.

Keywords

• Diesel pool fire
• Horizontal wind
• Combustion characteristics
• Prediction model