Property Values for Burning Rate Calculations

The asymptotic burning rate behavior under saturated flame radiation conditions is a useful fact. It provides an upper limit, at pool-like fuel configurations of typically 1-2 m diameter, for the burning flux. Experimental values exist in the burning literature for liquids as well as solids. They should be thoughtfully used for design and analysis purposes. Some maximum values are listed in Table 9.3. 

The polymer PMMA has been used to describe many aspects of steady burning rate theory. This is because it behaves so ideally. PMMA decomposes to its base monomer although it melts, its transition to the vaporized monomer is smooth its decomposition 

We have already mentioned that practical data under fire conditions are commonly presented in terms of mass loss of the fuel package (i.e. Equations (9.3), (9.4) and (9.6)). Effectively, this means for fuels in natural fire scenarios, such as furnishings, composites, plastic commodities, etc., we must interpret the steady burning theory in the following manner  

Ahc and L are both based on mass loss, i.e. kJ/g mass loss. 

the radiative fraction, depends on flame size and may increase and then decrease with fire diameter. It can range from 0.10 to 0.60. 

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