Autoignition temperatures definition

This last inflammability parameter presents problems. After stating its definition it will be seen that measuring autoignition temperature proves to be a difficult exercise because its measurement is sensitive to the experimental conditions, even more sensitive than for flashpoints. Worse, this parameter seems to be controlled by kinetic factors far more complex to master than the thermodynamic factors that probably control flashpoints (in fact it is a liquid/vapour equilibrium). So whilst the influence of the nature of the cup metal on a flashpoint has never been demonstrated, this demonstration was easily made with autoignition temperatures. 

NFPA now normally refers to autoignition as the Hot Flame Ignition Temperature, as a more precise definition. Subsequently the following two additional terms are being adopted by NFPA to further refine the ignition properties of materials. The lowest temperatures at which cool flame ignitions are observed are named the Cool Flame Reaction Threshold (CFT). The lowest flame temperatures at which an exothermic gas phase reaction is noticed are named the Preflame Reaction Threshold (RTT). 

The duration of the compression stroke in the calculated times (Table 6.14) corresponded to approximately 50 ms, signifying that autoignition occurred after top dead centre, as observed experimentally. The choice of bdc as the initial condition is essential to permit the development of spontaneous combustion during the course of the compression stroke as the gas pressure and temperature increase. This definition of the time for ignition differs from that given by, (i) the admission of reactants to a hot, closed reaction vessel, (ii) the end of compression in an RCM, or (iii) the passage of a shock through the reactants in a shock tube. 

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