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Fifth Annual Conference on Fire

Research

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Bureau of Standards

National Engineering Laboratory

Center for Fire Research

Washington, DC 20234

August 1981

Final Report

Issued October 1981

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NBSIR 81-2382

FIFTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON FIRE

RESEARCH

Sonya M. Cherry, Editor

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Bureau of Standards

National Engineering Laboratory

Center for Fire Research

Washington, DC 20234

August 1981

Final Report

Issued October 1 981

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Malcolm Baldrige, Secretary

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Ernest Ambler, Director
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FOREWORD

In this, the Fifth Annual Conference on Fire Research, we will

continue the pattern of concentrating alternately on the basic and

applied science of fire. This year, it is basic science which is

emphasized

.

It is our intent that the distinction be temporary. As we progress,

the careful observer of these meetings should notice a gradual blurring

of the borders between basic and applied work. For example, we are

learning to predict fire growth in an increasing variety of real situations; this prefigures the evolution of fire modeling into an engineering tool. In seeking an understanding of material fire

properties, we are also seeking the information necessary for better

fire safe materials and products.

The laboratory scientist and the fire protection engineer don't

always speak the same language, but the common vocabulary is growing.

Someday that language will be the same — although the accent will be

different

Director

Center for Fire Research

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

FOREWORD iii

ABSTRACT 1

CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH PROGRAMS

Ad Hoc Working Group on Mathematical Fire Modeling 2

Design Concepts Research 3

Exploratory Fire Research 7

Fire Hazard Analysis 12

Fire Modeling 14

Fire Protection Systems Research 18

Fire Research Information Services 22

Fire Test Methods Research 23

Fire Toxicology Research 29

Product Flammability Research 34

GRANTS AND CONTRACTS

AeroChem Research Laboratories, Inc.

Soot Nucleation Mechanisms in Fires 36

The AIA Research Corporation (AIA/RC)

The 1980 National Conference on Life Safety and the

Handicapped 39

Auburn University

Investigations of the Safety Problems Associated

with Fireplace Inserts 42

Brown University

Effects of Material Properties on Burning and

Extinction-Fires on Vertical Fuel Surfaces 44

California Institute of Technology

Experimental Study of Environment and Heat Transfer

in a Room Fire 48

Case Western Reserve University

Flame Spread and Spread Limits 52

V
Page

Clemson University

Ternary Reactions Among Polymer Substrate-OrganohalogenAntimony Oxides in the Condensed Phase Under Pyrolytic,

Oxidative and Flaming Conditions 55

Colorado School of Mines

Characterization of Aerosols from Fires 59

Factory Mutual Research Corporation

Computer Modeling of Aircraft Cabin Fire Phenomena 61

Factory Mutual Research Corporation

Determination of Fuel Parameters for Fire Modeling 64

Harvard University

Computer Modeling of Aircraft Cabin Fire Phenomena 71

Harvard University and Factory Mutual Research Corporation

The Home Fire Project 72

Integrated Systems, Inc.

Mechanical Designers* Smoke Control Manual 85

Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory

Fire Modeling 86

Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory

Thermal Radiation of Luminous Flames and Smoke 89

National Fire Protection Association

Investigation and Analysis of Major Fires 91

The Pennsylvania State University

An Investigation of Fire Impingement on a Horizontal

Ceiling 96

Portland Cement Association

Extension of Short-Term Creep Tests at Elevated

Temperatures 99

Princeton University

An Experimental Investigation of Flame Spread Over

Condensed Combustibles: Gas Phase Interactions 101

SRI International

Continuation of Decision Analysis Studies in Fire

Hazard Analysis 105

SRI International

Polymer Degradation During Combustion 107

VI
Page

Tennessee State University

Tennessee Fire Research Project Ill

TRW Defense and Space Systems Group

Modeling of Wind-Aided Spread 112

Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

Investigation of Fire Hazards Associated with

Installations of Fireplace Inserts in FactoryBuilt and Masonry Fireplaces 116

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Fire Safety Problems as Affected by Human Behavior 121

University of California, Berkeley

Fire Propagation in Concurrent Flows 123

University of California, Berkeley

Dynamics of Smoke and Inert Tracers Produced in

Porous Fuels 126

University of California, Berkeley

Intra-Laboratory Evaluation of a Standard Room

Fire Test 129

University of California, San Diego

Studies of Flame Extinction in Relationship to

Fire Suppression 134

University of Maryland

The Determination of Behavior Response Patterns in

Fire Situations, Project People II 138

University of Maryland

An Investigation of the Water Quality and Condition

of Pipe in Existing Automatic Sprinkler Systems for

the Analysis of Design Options with Residential

Sprinkler Systems 141

University of Maryland

Theoretical Investigation of Large-Scale

Turbulent Pool Fires 143

University of Maryland (The Maryland Institute

for Emergency Medical Services Systems)

Psychometric Testing and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 144

vii
Page

University of Massachusetts

Waking Effectiveness of Household Smoke

Alarm Detector Devices 150

The University of Michigan

Degradation of Mechanical Properties of Wood

During Fire 152

University of Montana

Ignition and Fire Spread of Cellulosic Materials 154

The University of Notre Dame

Computer Modeling of Aircraft Cabin Fire Phenomena 159

University of Pittsburgh

Toxicity of Plastic Combustion Products 163

The University of Washington

Post-Fire Interviews: Development and Field

Validation 166

APPENDIX A, AGENDA, 5th ANNUAL CONFERENCE 170

APPENDIX B, LIST OF PARTICIPANTS 173

vlll
FIFTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON FIRE RESEARCH

August 19-21, 1981

Sonya M. Cherry, Editor

Abstract

This report contains extended abstracts of

grants and contracts for fire research sponsored

by the Center for Fire Research, National Bureau

of Standards, as well as descriptions of the

internal programs of the Center for Fire Research.

Key words: Combustion; decision analysis; fire models;

flame spread; human behavior; ignition; polymers;

smoke; soot; toxicity; wood.

1
AD HOC WORKING GROUP ON MATHEMATICAL FIRE MODELING

CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

Professional Personnel

Robert S. Levine, Chairman of Steering Committee

John A. Rockett, Chairman of Computer Committee

Irwin A. Benjamin, Chairman of Users Needs Subcommittee

James G. Quintiere, Chairman of Models Subcommittee

Note: The Modeling Committee is chaired by Professor Howard Emmons of

Harvard University, and the Subprogram Committee by John deRis

of Factory Mutual.

A number of CFR personnel are members of the technical committees.

Program Objectives

The objectives of this committee are to facilitate the development and use of mathematical models of fire and to coordinate and facilitate

research needed to improve the models. The steering committee includes

members from other Government agencies who have Influence on their

agencies* R and D in this field. The coordination, of course, is

voluntary.

Project Areas

Each applicable area is included in another program abstract. The major

portion of the CFR effort is in the Fire Modeling Program.

Associated Grants

1. Harvard University/Factory Mutual Research Corporation,

Howard Emmons and John deRis - "Home Fire Project"

2. Several others as listed elsewhere.

2
DESIGN CONCEPTS RESEARCH

FIRE SAFETY ENGINEERING DIVISION

CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

Professional Personnel

Harold E. Nelson, Head

Bernard M. Levin, Research Psychologist

A. Jeffrey Shibe, Operations Research Analyst

Leonard Y. Cooper, Research Fire Protection Engineer

Daniel M. Alvord, Math/Programmer

Roseanne L. Paulsen, Social Scientist

Program Objectives

The objectives of the Program are to synthesize and integrate research

and technology to develop technically based rational approaches toward

providing safety from fire in buildings of various types of usage, and

to provide operating mechanisms for using these approaches in setting

fire safety requirements in these facilities.

Project Areas

1. Egress from Fires

The purpose of this project is to investigate the state-of-the-art

of egress from fires; to conduct experiments related to egress for the

purpose of establishing an improved data base, thereby providing a sound

basis for hazard assessment approaches; and to determine specific

engineering solutions which would yield emergency escape criteria for

means of egress arrangements.

The first stage of the project was completed this last year with the

publication of three reports. The first of these was, "The Measurement

of the Smoke Leakage of Door Assemblies During Standard Fire Exposures,"

NBSIR 80-2004, by L. Y. Cooper. This work, carried out in cooperation

with Underwriters Laboratory, involved an evaluation of a method for

leakage measurements which was proposed by ISO. The second report was

"Fire Tests of Stairwell-Sprinkler Systems," NBSIR 81-2202, by L. Y.

Cooper and J. G. O'Neill. This work addressed the problem of open

stairway protection, and it involved tests which were conducted in a full-sized open stairwell test facility at NBS. The last report was

entitled, "Estimating Safe Available Egress Time From Fires," NBSIR 80-

2172, by L. Y. Cooper. This was an initial study on enclosure fire

modeling as applied to the basic life safety problem of safe egress

from fires.

The latter study layed the framework for an important area of applied

enclosure fire modeling. A series of new initiatives which extend this

study are now in progress. Two reports of this new work were presented

at the 20th National Heat Transfer Conference. The first of these was

3
entitled, "An Experimental Study of Upper Hot Layer Stratification in

Full-Scale Multiroom Fire Scenarios," by L. Y. Cooper, M. Harkelroad,

J. Quintiere, and W. Rinkinen. This was a report of a series of fullscale experiments which were carried out at NBS. The second report was entitled "Heat Transfer from a Buoyant Plume to an Unconfined

Ceiling," by L. Y. Cooper. This work developed an applicationsoriented methodology to be used in enclosure fire models, for estimating heat transfer from fires to ceilings for early times after fire

ignition. An extension to the latter work is near completion. This

will remove the above "early time" restriction.

Other work in progress concentrates on delivering available egress time

computation methodology to the end user. In this vein, a "user friendly"

computer code with a user's manual is under development. In another

activity, readily accessible and practically usable graphical

descriptions of fire growth phenomena are being developed. These

graphical descriptions will be based on mathematical simulation of

conditions which would develop during a large class of realistic fire

scenarios

.

2. Rational Approach to Fire Safety in Health Care Facilities

A multi-faceted program to extend the ongoing program on health care facilities. Major areas include: 1, extending the decision analysis

and evaluation system approaches to facilities that provide board and care to the developmentally disabled, the disabled elderly and the

mentally ill in a residential setting; 2, investing and providing

technical support for improved values in specific subsystem parameters

of the existing Fire Safety Evaluation System; 3, continuing work on fundamental modeling of fire development and smoke and heat propagation

in health care facilities; 4, emergency preparedness criteria; and

5, initiating major investigations in fire safety through control of

building contents.

The approach includes operations research application particularly as relates to decision analysis and emergency preparedness. The approaches are being directed at combining technical Information, statistics and

other historical information with the consensus of professional experts.

The improvement of subsystem parameters and the development of predictive

calculation on fire threat development will extensively use established

engineering technology and the most current math modeling techniques and

research developed data with emphasis on the development of engineering

and design tools. Developments in the furnishing area will concentrate

on use of oxygen calorimetry and bench tests to establish rates of heat

release, total energy, and companion measurements on smoke and toxic

species

.

3. Fire Safety for the Developmentally Disabled

A recent development in the care of the mentally retarded, the disabled

elderly and the handicapped persons, is to provide for their custodial

care in small home-like facilities in the community rather than in

4
large remote institutions. Life/fire safety requirements have not been

specifically developed for these types of facilities so the responsible

authorities are using regulations designed for other purposes, including

the NFPA Life Safety Code standards for private homes, boarding houses

and hospitals. The objective of this project is to develop life/fire

safety performance criteria specifically geared for these board and care homes

.

This program started in July 1977 with a project directed at small

group homes for the developmentally disabled. During the past year,

the program was expanded to include larger buildings and a full range

of disabilities.

The approach is to develop a variation and modification of the Fire Safety

Evaluation System. This system will permit flexibility in the selection

of fire safety features, and the fire protection requirements will depend,

in part, on the level of capabilities of the residents. The criteria is

being developed with the advice of experts throughout the country.

A preliminary version of the evaluation system is now developed. A major

field test is being conducted in the summer of 1981 and recommendations

will be made in January 1982 to the National Fire Protection Association

for inclusion in the next edition of the Life Safety Code.

4. Multi-Family Housing Life/Fire Safety Evaluation System

The objective of this project is the development of a fire safety evaluation system applicable to existing multi-family housing. The system is

designed to evaluate equivalency of alternative fire safety approaches as compared to the normal requirements of the Department of Housing and

Urban Development Minimum Property Standards.

The project is nearing completion. The evaluation system is based on the

relevance of the various elements of building design to the performance

objectives of fire safety (e.g., prevention of ignlton, and extinguishment,

and escape and rescue) . A working evaluation system that may be used as an alternative to the existing explicit requirements has been developed and is

now being tested.

5. Life/Fire Safety Evaluation Manual-Inmate Housing and Confinement

Facilities in Penal Occupancies

The purpose of this project is to develop a fire safety evaluation system

and supporting manuals to determine the relative level of safety in inmate

housing facilities in prisons and similar penal institutions. The approach

will be modeled after the other types of fire safety evaluation systems

prepared or underway by the program. The project includes full scale test

of the rate-of-energy release of fully involved prison cells. The tests

have been completed. The data has been used to develop smoke removal

criteria for prison cell blocks that have been included in the 1981 Life

Safety Code. The evaluation system is targeted for inclusion in the 1984

Life Safety Code.

5
6. Coal Mine Fire Safety Evaluation

This is a three-year project to develop a methodology for determining

alternative means for providing fire safety in coal mines. The

objectives are both to protect the lives and health of the miners and

to preserve the national resources involved. Phase I is directed at the

development of an event logic tree and other descriptions of the overall

organization of elements and interrelationships involved in fire safety

in coal mines.

The approach in Phase I consists of joint analysis by NBS and the

Bureau of Mines of the fire histories, available statistics, experience

of Bureau of Mines in coal and coal mining activities, and the experience

and knowledge of NBS in fire protection and fire safety system principles

to develop the resultant tree and supporting documentation. This phase

is now completed and both the tree and a state transition model have been

developed.

7. Extra-CFR Activities

A major portion of the activities of Design Concepts Research are con- ducted outside of the Center for Fire Research. These include:

Center for Applied Mathematics, NBS

1. "System for Cost Comparison of Fire Safety Alternatives,"

Robert Chapman.

2. "Time-based Provisions for Emergency Escape in Public Occupancy

Buildings," Fred I. Stahl.

Associated Grants

1. University of Maryland, John Bryan - "The Determination of

Behavior Response Patterns in Fire Situations - Project People

II".

2. North Carolina State University, Richard Pearson - "Occupant

Response Variability in Escape from Residential Fires."

3. University of Maryland, Norman Groner - "Guidelines for Preparing

Fire Plan for Group Homes."

4. University of Washington, John Keating and Elizabeth Loftus - "Post Fire Interviews: Development and Field Validation."

5. AIA Research Corporation, Earl Kennett, - "Second National

Conference on Fire Safety and the Handicapped."

6
Exploratory Fire Research

Center for Fire Research

Professional Personnel

Walter L. Zielinski, Jr., Acting Head

William L. Earl, Research Chemist

Takao Kashiwagi, Guest Worker

Takashi Kashiwagi, Materials Research Engineer

W. Gary Mallard, Research Chemist

Michael J. Manka, Chemist

Bernard J. McCaffrey, Mechanical Engineer

J. Houston Miller, Postdoctoral Fellow

George W. Mulholland, Research Chemist

Thomas J. Ohlemiller, General Engineer

William M. Pitts, Research Chemist

Kermit C. Smyth, Research Chemist

Program Objectives

(1) Improve the understanding of the chemical, physico-chemical, and

physical processes which underlie macroscopic fire phenomena by

carrying out research studies covering both gas and solid phase

processes, char formation, smoldering, ignition, transition from

smoldering to ignition, formation and properties of smoke particulates and toxic gases, mass and energy transport in flames, fire

plumes, the mechanism of action of fire retardants, and flame

spread and flame extinguishment processes.

(2) Devise new techniques for studying these phenomena.

(3) Furnish fundamental scientific information to support the

activities of the Fire Safety Engineering Division and the Fire

Performance Evaluation Division.

Project Areas

1. Radiative Ignition

Before a liquid or solid fuel can ignite, it must absorb a significant quantity of energy. In many circumstances, radiation is

the dominant transfer mechanism supplying this energy. Work to date

has involved exposing samples of n.-decane, PMMA and red oak to a CO 2 laser, with and without a pilot heat source present. It has been

shown that significant absorption takes place in the gas phase above

the fuel, presumably by vapors derived from the liquid or solid fuel.

High speed photography of liquid fuel surfaces has revealed that

complex bubbling phenomena determine the vapor concentration build-up

in the gas phase during the ignition period. Under non-bubbling

7
conditions, evolution of the distributions of fuel vapor

concentration and gas phase temperature is being measured by a two- line holographic interferometer technique.

Transient gasification characteristics of polymeric materials are being investigated at a fire level radiant heat flux using a large

blackbody source. The effect of gas phase oxygen on gasification

of polymethylmethacrylate is being measured in the first phase of

this study.

2. NMR Studies of Combustion of Solids

The basic capabilities for high resolution ^ nuclear magnetic

resonance (NMR) in solids using magic angle spinning have been

developed in collaboration with the NBS Center for Materials

Science. Initial work focused on methodology assessments, including

studies of the magnitude of line broadening and investigations of

peak positions. These studies served to define the information

available from the technique and potential for instrumental modifications to improve the methodology. A series of experiments on wood,

wood products, and different forms of cellulose were conducted to

provide the necessary background data for studies of the thermal

decomposition of wood.

A set of isothermal pyrolyses in nitrogen was then performed on

spruce, oak and cellulose, carried out by five-minute exposures to

temperatures between 275 and 390°C and subsequent analysis by the

^ ^C solid state NMR technique. The results indicated that spruce is

slightly more resistant to pyrolysis than oak, that the cellulose

component of wood decomposes more rapidly than the lignin, and that

the chars formed have high aromatic character, even for pure cellulose which has no aromatic content. These preliminary studies show

a significant promise for the use of solid state NMR in the analysis

of chars in pyrolysis and combustion experiments.

3. Smoldering Combustion of Cellulosics

The propensity for smoldering exhibited by cellulosic materials

continues to be a subject of major concern. The smolder characteristics of cellulosic insulation (made from wood pulp) represent the

present focus for this work. Smolder propagation through a thick

horizontal layer of such insulation has been investigated. Temperature, oxygen, and remaining solid fuel distributions have been

measured as a means of determining the factors controlling propagation. The overall structure appears to be determined by the

diffusion of oxygen. Boric acid slows the propagation and alters

the smolder wave structure, but does not cause extinction in these

thick layers.

The source of the exothermicity that initiates smoldering in the

insulation is being investigated with thermal analytical techniques.

8
The oxidation behavior of the wood fibers and their components

(cellulose, lignin, etc.) is being compared. It appears that

cellulose is the major (but not the only) heat source.

4. Fire Plume Characterization

Traditionally, a fire has been treated as a thermodynamic energy

source with a spatially uniform heat release. Measurements show

significant differences, however, between measurements of plume

parameters near the base of a buoyant diffusion flame and predictions based on current, far field models. We are now preparing to

measure the time-averaged flow, temperature and concentration fields

in order to determine the validity of the classical representation

and to refine these models.

It is realized that the plume is not well-mixed, and that it is

highly likely that the flame-determining physics and chemistry are dominated by the local fuel-air ratio. Thus we are in the process

of determining the fluctuation magnitudes and frequency distribution

of the temperature and reactant concentrations in turbulent plumes.

5. Soot Formation and Evolution

Smoke from fires dominates the flame radiation process, is a major

factor in hindered egress from the fire vicinity, and is the prime

basis for early detection. We have been conducting two studies

concerning the fundamentals of smoke and its evolution.

We are in the second year of a long-term study of the basic

chemistry of soot formation, carried out jointly with the NBS

Thermal Processes Division in the Center for Chemical Engineering.

Using the opto-galvanic effect in flames, we have observed enhanced

ionization signals with long time delays, which correspond to laserinduced thermal ionization of very small soot particles. This

phenomenon only occurs in a narrow stoichiometric range near the

sooting limit in premixed flames. From mobility measurements, both mass (2300-6100 amu) and size (1.6-2. 2 nm diameter) estimates can

be made. In addition, extensive data have been obtained on the

laser- induced fluorescence observed in sooting diffusion flames for

a series of hydrocarbon fuels. Concurrently we will be characterizing the radical pool in various flames to determine the relevance

of premixed flame data to diffusion flames,

Quantitative characterization of hazards associated with smoke, and

of smoke detection, requires a knowledge of the properties of the

smoke aerosol and development of predicting capabilities for the

dynamic processes controlling the movement of the smoke and its

growth. We previously have compared various instruments for

measuring the physical properties of smoke cooperated in a study of

particulate coagulation in a buoyant plume, and studied the smokefilling process in a room. Recently, we developed a research plan

9
concerning smoke properties and visibility degradation to develop a quantitative model for predicting visibility degradation with time

for a room-sized compartment. In addition, we have studied the

characteristics of smoldering smoke from a realistic size scale

smoldering source, with the findings that: (1) particle size was much larger than observed for smaller smoldering sources, resulting

in lower sensitivity for ionization- type detectors; and (2) that the

smoke particulate production rate was time-dependent. Collaborative

work has also been conducted in the development of a smoke particulate coagulation model.

6. Turbulent Chemically-Reacting Flow

In a large fire plume, the combustion region is turbulent and is

characterized by highly variable (both spatial and temporal) distributions of temperature and species concentration. In such cases the

flame properties are dominated by the substantial temperature and

species concentration fluctuations. Due to the scarcity of measurements on such systems and the complexity of the phenomena, the

understanding of turbulent fire plumes is poor. We have initiated

an investigation of turbulent chemically-reacting flow for the

purpose of enhancing the understanding of the nonlinear coupling

which occurs between chemical reaction and turbulent flow mixing.

Currently, as a first step in a planned series of experiments, the

turbulent mixing of two different gases is being studied in the

absence of chemical reaction by the use of a laser Rayleigh scattering technique. Subsequent steps will Incorporate chemical

reaction into the experimental system coupled with a numerical and

theoretical modeling effort.

Associated Grants and Contracts

1. Clemson University, Michael J. Drews - "Ternary Reactions Among

Poljmier Substrate-Organohalogen-Antimony Oxides in the Condensed

Phase Under Pyrolytic, Oxidative and Flaming Conditions."

2. SRI International, Sharon K. Brauman - "Polymer Degradation During

Combustion."

3. University of Montana, Fred Shafizadeh - "Chemistry of Smoldering

Combustion and Control."

4. Princeton University, Irvin Classman - "An Experimental Investigation of Flame Spread Over Condensed Combustibles: Gas Phase

Interactions .

5. Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Patrick Pagni - "Fire Modeling."

6. Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, C. L. Tien - "Thermal Radiation of

Luminous Flames and Smoke."

10
7 . AeroChem Research Laboratories, Hartwell F. Calcote, "Soot

Nucleation Mechanisms in Fires."

8. Princeton University, Forman A. Williams - "Studies of Flame

Extinction in Relationship to Fire Suppression."

9. University of California, Simon L. Goren - "Dynamics of Smoke and

Inert Tracers Produced in Porous Fuels."

10.

University of Maryland, T.-M. Shih - "Theoretical Investigation of

Large-Scale Turbulent Pool Fires."

11
FIRE HAZARD ANALYSIS

FIRE SAFETY ENGINEERING DIVISION

GENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

Professional Personnel

Alan Gomberg, Acting Head

Louis Clark, Operations Research Analyst

S. Wayne Stiefel, Operations Research Analyst

Victoria Shaw, Prograimner

Program Objectives

The work carried on in this program is based on two major objectives.

The first is to characterize fire hazards and fire risk by analytical

means and to evaluate strategies for reducing fire losses on a cost/

benefit basis, both to help establish research priorities and to guide

the development of test methods for codes and standards. The second

objective is to provide access to fire loss data for CFR.

Project Areas

1. Decision Analysis

Decisions on the choice between strategic alternatives for reducing fire

losses should be based on a systematic consideration of all benefits,

risks and costs. However, because of the complexity of safety problems

and the uncertainties Inherent in the evaluation of strategies for

reducing accidental losses, the choice among strategies is difficult.

We have developed analytical techniques for assessing the risks and

avoided damages associated with different fire safety alternatives, and

the economic costs of these alternatives. Decision analysis provides

the analytical framework for the combination of these loss and cost

assessments in choosing the most cost effective strategy for addressing

a particular fire problem. The initial decision analysis study of

alternatives for the reduction of upholstered furniture fire losses

served to establish the utility of this approach for fire hazard applications. A major decision analysis study is underway on the residential

fire problem. Decision analysis is also being applied in other fire

safety areas including health care facilities and arson.

2. Risk Analysis

This project area focuses on the development of risk assessment tools

and methodologies designed to enable users to perform risk management

functions. Emphasis is on developing means by which the strengths of

various risk estimation methods can interact in a comprehensive approach

12
to fire risk assessment. The initial effort in this area involves the

development of a risk assessment based management system to assist in

the allocation of fire safety project funds in national park facilities.

3. Special Studies

The growth of the National Fire Data Center at the U.S. Fire

Administration has provided more and better data for fire hazard

analysis. Using these data as a basis, we perform special studies

related to the characterization of specific fire hazards. Current

special study topics include the following:

- Identification of factors associated with high fire death

rates in rural areas and certain geographical areas.

- Feasibility of linkage of fire incident report files with

demographic data bases, to permit future analysis of fire

incident data as a function of population characteristics.

- Assessment of potential cost effectiveness of residential

sprinkler systems and development of methods to improve

sprinkler cost effectiveness.

Associated Contract

1. SRI International, Fred L. Offensend - "Continuation of Decision

Analysis Studies in Fire Hazard Analysis"

13
FIRE MODELING

FIRE SAFETY ENGINEERING DIVISION

CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

Professional Personnel

James Quint iere, Group Head

Howard Baum, Research Physicist

Daniel Corley, Physicist

Margaret Harkleroad, Physicist

Walter Jones, Physicist

William Rlnkinen, Engineering Technician

Kenneth Steckler, Physicist

Takeyoshi Tanaka, Visiting Scientist, B.R.I., Japan

Program Objectives

Through our research and grant program we aim to develop mathematical

solutions to problems in fire growth so that they may be applied in fire

safety design analysis and in the quantification of a material's contribution to fire. Our approach includes a range of mathematical techniques

from exact to experimentally derived correlations as well as experiments

designed to verify, elucidate, or measure significant fire growth parameters required in modeling.

Project Areas

1. Advanced Computational Methods

y This work aims at developing computational methods and models to predict

the detailed features of fire phenomena. A joint method with the Center

for Applied Mathematics (R. Rehm) has developed a model [1,2] which

predicts the large scale transient features of temperature and flow in a closed two-dimensional room subject to an idealized fire source. It is

being further developed to include the effects of fire particulate

distribution [3] using Lagrangian "particle-tracking" techniques. An

alternative method based on analytical and finite Fourier series techniques is being examined. It has been applied to model fluid mechanics

and combustion problems [4]

.

An ultimate goal of this work is to establish

practical computer-based models for three-dimensional geometries.

References

:

1. Baum, H. , Rehm, R. , Barnett, P. , Corley, D. and Lewis, J.

:

Finite Difference Calculations of Buoyant Convection in an Enclosure

- Part I, NBSIR in review.

14
2. Rehm, R.G. and Baum H.R. : Numerical Model of Convection in a Room Fire, presented at the Eastern Section Combustion Institute

Meeting, 1980.

3. Mulholland, C.W. and Baum, H.R. : Effect of Initial Size Distribution

on Aerosol Coagulation, Phys. Rev. Let., 45, 1980.

4. Baum, H. , Corley, D. , and Rehm, R. : A Parabolic Spectral Method

for Combustion and Convection Problems, presented at the SIAM Meeting,

June 1981.

2.

Compartment Fire Dynamics

Overall and discrete features of compartment fire dynamics are being

examined by control volume (zone) analyses and by experimental methods

[1]. A review and assimilation of the various zone models for the

prediction of fire growth in compartments are being made. Developments

of our own code have addressed the case of crib fires in a compartment

and results were compared with data [2,3]. Recent comparisons of multiroom fire codes have been made with corridor smoke filling experiments

[4]. Also Dr. Tanaka, visiting from BRI, Japan, is refining his multiroom analysis and has succeeded in obtaining preliminary results for a large (five-story) building. Our experimental study of fire induced

flows into rooms is obtaining the effect of fire location and room opening configuration on (orifice) flow coefficients [5] and fire plume

entrainment [6]. Also a simple correlation was developed to predict the

temperature rise in a room due to energy release from a fire [7].

References

:

1. Quintiere, J. : Overview of Fire Modeling, SFPE Symposium Proceedings,

University of Maryland, March 1981.

2. Quintiere, J.C., and McCaffrey, B.J.: The Burning of Wood and Plastic

Cribs in an Enclosure: Volume I. NBSIR 80-2054, November 1980.

3. Quintiere, J. , Steckler, K. , and McCaffrey, B. : A Model to Predict

the Conditions in a Room Subject to Crib Fires, First Specialist Meeting

(Int.) of the Combustion Institute, France, July 1981.

4. Cooper, L.Y., Harkleroad, M. , Quintiere, J. and Rinklnen, W.

:

An Experimental Study of Upper Hot Layer Stratification in Full-Scale

Multi-room Fire Scenarios, The American Society of Mechanical Engineers,

ASME Paper 81-HT-9.

5. Steckler, K. , Quintiere, J. and Rinkinen, W. : Fire Induced Flows

Through Room Openings - Flow Coefficients, presented 1980 Eastern Section

Combustion Institute Meeting, NBSIR in review.

15
6. Qulntiere, J.G. and Rlnklnen, W.J. and Jones, W.W. : The Effect of

Room Openings on Fire Plume Entrainment, Combustion Science and Technology,

to be published 1981.

7. McCaffrey, B.J. , Qulntiere, J.C. and Harkleroad, M.F.: Estimating

Room Temperatures and the Likelihood of Flashover using Fire Test Data

Correlations, Fire Technology, to be published 1981.

3. Fire Spread

This area encompasses work to develop new methods for measuring flame

spread on materials in a form suitable for inclusion in mathematical fire

growth models (e.g., (T^ - T )^) [1,2]. Under Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA) sponsorship^we are examining test method strategies

for "creeping" (lateral or downward) and "wind-aided" (upward or under)

flame spread on six varied materials. A wall fire spread model has also

been incorporated in our zone model for a room [3]

,

and an experimental

('t- 1/3 scale) study of compartment wall fire burning behavior has been

initiated for further development and validation of that analysis.

References

:

1. Qulntiere, J. : An Approach to Modeling Wall Fire in a Room, Fire

Safety J, 3, 1981.

2. Qulntiere, J. : A Simplified Theory for Generalizing Results from a Radiant Panel Rate of Flame Spread Apparatus, Fire and Materials, to be

published 1981.

3. Steckler, K. : A Calculation of Wall Fire Spread in a Compartment,

NBSIR in review.

4. Fire Performance and Risk

This area attempts to synthesize and analyze measurements of material

performance in test methods, their relationship to real fire performance,

and to develop methods for calculating specific risks in fire. A

critical review of flammability and smoke test methods and their ability

to correlate full-scale fire test data is underway for the FAA. The

ultimate application of test procedures for aircraft interior material is

being considered. An allied effort with the CFR Toxicology program

examined smoldering fires in closed spaces, and developed an analysis

that predicts the CO development for specific smoldering items. Mass loss

and decomposition data are required, and general agreement with cotton

and polyurethane smoldering fires was achieved [1].

Reference

:

1. Qulntiere, J.G., Blrky, M. , Macdonald, F. and Smith, G.: An Analysis

of Smoldering Fires in Closed Compartments and their Hazard due to Carbon

Monoxide, report in review.

16
Associated Grants

The following grants are in support of the goals of the fire modeling

program:

1. "Modeling of Wind-Aided Fire Spread", F.E. Fendell, Engineering

Sciences Laboratory, TRW Systems, (monitor: H.R. Baum).

2. "An Investigation of Fire Impingement on a Horizontal Ceiling",

G.M. Faeth, The Pennsylvania State University, (monitor: H.R. Baum).

3. "Computer Modeling of Aircraft Cabin Fire Phenomena", K.T. Yang,

University of Notre Dame, (monitor: W.W. Jones).

4. "Flame Spread and Spread Limits", J.S. T'len, Case Institute of

Technology, (monitor: J.G. Quintiere)

.

5. "Experimental Study of Environment and Heat Transfer", California

Institute of Technology, E.E. Zukoski, (monitor: J.G. Quintiere).

6. "Computer Modeling of Aircraft Cabin Fire Phenomena", R.L. Alpert,

Factory Mutual Research Corporation, (monitor: K.D. Steckler)

.

7. "Home Fire Project", H. Emmons / R. Friedman, Harvard Univeristy / Factory Mutual Research, (monitor J. Rockett*).

8. "Effects of Material Properties on Burning and Extinction Fires",

M. Slbulkin, Brown University, (monitor J. Rockett*).

* CFR Senior Scientist

17
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS RESEARCH

FIRE SAFETY ENGINEERING DIVISION

CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

Professional Personnel

Edward K. Budnick, Research Head

David D, Evans, Mechanical Engineer

Warren D. Hayes, Fire Prevention Engineer

John H. Klote, Mechanical Engineer

John G. O’Neill, Fire Prevention Engineer

Program Objectives

An integrated approach to fire protection design includes considerations

for 1) alerting the occupants prior to the attainment of adverse environmental conditions, and 2) actively prohibiting or reducing the

growth and spread of the fire and combustion products. The principal

objective of this research group is to provide the engineering basis

necessary to rationally incorporate hardware technology which addresses

these considerations into a broader, more integrated fire protection

design.

The current focus of this work rests in three areas: fire detection,

fire suppression, and smoke control. Primary activities in these areas encompass the development of engineering design, installation, performance, and reliability requirements which will lead to appropriate test

methods upon which to judge system capabilities, and overall design

technology.

Two key factors in developing technology for fire protection systems

are the ability to extend research results to innovative uses, and the

need to create cost reductions through refinements in system designs.

To do this, parallel research efforts are being pursued to provide a basic understanding of both the physical phenomena to which hardware

systems must respond, and the design and performance of the systems

themselves

.

Project Areas

1. Smoke Detector Effectiveness in Health Care Facilities

Last year a survey and subsequent analysis of the field experience of

smoke detectors in health care facilities were completed. A report

includes discussion, based on Information received through the survey,

of the frequency of real and false alarms, installation practices,

types of detectors installed, general maintenance, and insitu testing

procedures

.

18
2 . Performance of Sprinklers in Health Care Facilities

One occupancy type of particular interest to CFR in examining sprinkler

performance is the patient room - health care facility. An extensive

series of full-scale tests was conducted last year to examine the

performance of sprinkler systems in extinguishing bedding and combustible wardrobe fires in a patient room. Key design parameters which

were considered included sprinkler spray density, water flow, room

ventilation and the use of privacy curtains. The results were analyzed

in terms of "life safety" criteria, and appropriate design recommendations were submitted to the project sponsor. Health and Human Services,

and to the related standards committees. Work continues in this area

in an effort to provide comprehensive guidance regarding sprinkler

design requirements for health care facilities.

3. Sprinkler Protection of Open Stairways

A uniquely different project involved the conduct of full-scale

experiments to determine the performance of selected water curtain

sprinkler systems and spray nozzle systems in reducing the flow of

heated smoke into an open stairwell. This work was designed to refine

and update test results dating back to the 1940s which serve as the

basis for design methods currently used in the National Fire Protection

Association (NFPA) sprinkler and life safety codes. Experimental fullscale testing was conducted in a specifically constructed four-story

facility. Cooling effectiveness, efficiency of water usage, and flow

of combustion gases were measured and performance curves were developed,

based on temperature effects for these systems, to indicate their

capacity to inhibit the passage of combustion gases into the stairway

resulting from the convective heat flow from the burner. A report has

been completed on this work.

4. Sprinkler Response to a Compartment Fire

An ongoing project of a more fundamental nature is a full-scale study

to examine the response characteristics of sprinkler heads at different

locations in a compartment to various simulated fire growth rates. The

experiments have been designed to examine the variation in the activation time of pendent and sidewall sprinkler links of different thermal

mass in a typical room/corridor configuration. Limited measurements of

temperature effects on simulated links of varying mass are also included.

It is intended that the data provided from this work will lead to

engineering guidelines for the use of sidewall sprinkler installations,

where delays in activation due to sprinkler location may significantly

affect fire control at low water supply rates.

5. Fire Suppression Systems for Offshore Platform Blowout Fires

A substantial effort was initiated in 1980 to examine the problem of

suppression of blowout fires on offshore oil and gas platforms for the

U.S. Geological Survey. A moderate term research plan has been prepared.

19
with the initial focus towards scaled experimental studies of the

necessary flow rates for particular suppression agents and the appropriate delivery mechanisms to extinguish large flowing hydrocarbon fires.

6. Stairwell Pressurization Systems

The use of stairwell pressurization systems has grown in the U.S. over recent years. Field tests, including sulfur-hexafluoride (SF^) tracer

gas tests, pressure-velocity tests, and smoke candle tests have been

conducted by NBS in buildings in Nashville, Tennessee which incorporate

multiple injection systems. As an adjunct to this project a computer

based model was developed to simulate smoke migration in stairwells

having pressurization systems. This model provides a useful tool for

the design of stairwell pressurization systems in multistory buildings.

A progress report of this effort was prepared during 1980. During

1981-82, a joint effort will be conducted with CSTB (France) to verify

the stairwell pressurization model with empirical data. In addition,

the model will be extended to include analysis of elevators and

vestibules

.

7 . Smoke Control Manual

NBS is monitoring the development of a smoke control handbook under a grant to Integrated Systems, Inc. This handbook will contain practical

design information suited for mechanical systems designers in designing

smoke control systems. The availability of this manual should help to

reduce failures in smoke control systems and thereby improve the

potential for saving lives during building fires.

8. Computer Modeling of Smoke

Two computer programs designed to model smoke movement in buildings

have been developed under contract to Integrated Systems, Inc. (ISI)

.

One of the programs, designed to evaluate steady-state conditions, is

currently undergoing verification testing by comparing results with

other computer models and with manual calculations. Upon successful

completion of this exercise, verification of the transient model will

be initiated. These programs will serve as a basis upon which to

develop a methodology for analysis of building designs in order to

optimize the design of the smoke control systems.

9. Smoke Penetration of Acoustical Tile Ceilings

A project was initiated in 1980 to examine the smoke penetration of

acoustical, fire rated ceilings under actual fire conditions as would

typically occur in a hospital patient room. A test facility consisting

of four hospital rooms and a section of corridor was built within

another building. The test facility has a ventilation system which

will simulate the air movement from a hospital HVAC system. The

project is designed to determine whether smoke will penetrate the

celling or flow into other hospital areas. A report of this work will

be completed during 1981.

20
10. Smoke Movement on Merchant Ships

In addition, field tests have been conducted using pressure mapping and

SF^ tracer gas to simulate the movement of "cold smoke" on board

merchant ships. Evaluation of this data is ongoing to determine the

suitability of applying smoke control techniques for buildings to

merchant vessels, and necessary modifications. A progress report will

be prepared during 1981.

Associated Grants /Contracts

1. University of Maryland, H. E. Hickey and J. E. Alleman - "An

Investigation of the Water Quality and Condition of Pipe in

Existing Automatic Sprinkler Systems"

2. University of Massachusetts, E. H. Nober - "Waking Effectiveness

of Household Smoke and Fire Detectors"

3. Integrated Systems, Inc., New Brunswick, Maryland, J. Fothergill - "Mechanical Designer's Smoke Control Manual"

21
FIRE RESEARCH INFORMATION SERVICES

FIRE RESEARCH RESOURCES DIVISION

CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

Project Leader

Nora H. Jason

Program Objective

The Fire Research Information Services (FRIS) is an on-going

project within the Center for Fire Research (CFR) , National Bureau of

Standards. It was started in 1971 and incorporated several personal

collections at the National Bureau of Standards, as well as the Federal

Fire Council collection. Over the years it has grown and now contains

approximately 30,000 reports, documents and books. (On an average,

2000 items are added to the collection each year.) It reflects the

programmatic needs of the Center for Fire Research, as well as developing a national and international fire research collection

for use by NBS staff, researchers, fire departments, fire science

students and the fire community at large.

An extensive document distribution program is carried on, both on

a regular basis and on a demand basis. The publication and distribution

of grantee reports (in the NBS Government Contract Report series) to

selected subject Interest groups is part of this program. All NBS

report series are listed in the automated bibliographic data base

and available through the Government Printing Office or the National

Technical Information Services.

The journal collection contains approximately 120 titles. The

focus is on the research activities of the CFR, as well as fire-related

research needs. The titles are quite unique to FRIS.

For interested people who cannot come to the FRIS, an extensive

Interlibrary Loan program is carried out with participating libraries

throughout the United States. FRIS is located at the National Bureau

of Standards, Building 224, Room A-252. The telephone number is

(301) 921-3249.

22
FIRE TEST METHODS RESEARCH

FIRE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION DIVISION

CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

Professional Personnel

Sanford Davis, Head

David P. Klein, Fire Protection Engineer

James R. Lawson, General Physical Scientist

Billy T. Lee, Fire Protection Engineer

William J. Parker, Physicist

James S. Steel, Physicist

William D. Walton, Fire Protection Engineer

William H. Bailey, Supervisory Engineering Technician

David L. Chamberlain, Research Associate

David C. Jeanes, Research Associate

Program Objectives

The objectives of Fire Test Methods Research are to conduct research and

development studies to evaluate the fire and high temperature performance

of materials and products used in construction assemblies and transportation systems and to reduce the probability of the growth and spread of

fire by developing fire test methods and acceptance criteria for furnishings and construction materials and assemblies. In addition, the Program

manages the Center's large-scale experimental fire test facility.

Project Areas

1. Shipboard Fire Research

The objectives of this project are to evaluate the potential fire hazard

of shipboard and submarine hull insulations and to improve the application of laboratory fire tests for screening compartment lining materials.

The approach is to subject the variety of shipboard and submarine hull

insulations, some of which are protected with fire resistant materials,

to laboratory fire tests on ignitability , flame spread, rate of heat re- lease, and potential heat. The performance of these insulations are then

examined in quarter- and full-scale compartment fires. By comparing the

time to flashover or the maximum temperature reached in the full-sized

compartment with the results of the laboratory fire test methods , improved

acceptance criteria for materials can be derived. By comparing the performance of the material between the full- and reduced-scale fire test,

the usefulness of the quarter-scale model as a screening tool can be

evaluated. At the same time, analytical and experimental studies are being carried out to improve the ability of the quarter-scale model to

predict full-scale fire behavior. A standard test procedure based on the quarter-scale model is being developed.

23
2. Flame Retardant Permanency of Cellulose Insulation

The objective of this project is to study the effect of temperature and

humidity cycling on the flammability characteristics of cellulosic loosefill insulation. Based on the analysis of climatological data for regions

of the country having widely differing weather conditions, various test

cycles (time, temperature, humidity, number) are being imposed on cellulose insulation having different flame retardant compositions. Performance

will be based on measurement of the critical radiant flux and the resistance to ignition by a smoldering cigarette. A proposed test method for

inclusion in the Department of Energy Residential Conservation Service

standard for cellulosic insulation will be written with recommended acceptance criteria.

3. Fire Safety of Amtrak Furnishings

The objective of this project is to develop and test cost beneficial con- cepts for reducing fire hazards in passenger rail vehicles. Specimens

of passenger rail vehicle interior components have been obtained and are being assembled into sectional mock-ups for full-scale testing. Taking

into account fire scenarios, usage geometry, and specific applications

in railroad cars, mock-ups will be tested. An attempt will be made to

predict the mock-up performance on the basis of small-scale laboratory

tests. In addition, assessment will be made of the proposed fire safety

guidelines being promulgated by the Transportation Systems Center of the

Department of Transportation for rail vehicles. NBS will assist the

Federal Railroad Administration in the conduct of full-sized burn experiments in actual rail vehicles by recommending "improved" materials and

appropriate instrumentation of the test facility and recommending appropriate ways of analyzing and interpreting the resultant data.

4 . Flame Spread

The objective of this project is to contribute to the development of test

methods and procedures which can provide the input data req_uired by mathematical models for predicting the downward, lateral, and upward flame

spread in aircraft cabin fires. These methods include a flame spread test

which can produce the empirical constants for the flame spread rate equations for downward and lateral flame spread and a heat release rate calorimeter for determining the effective heat of combustion, the effective

heat of vaporization, the stoichiometric oxygen to fuel ratio, and the mass loss rate as a function of incident heat flux, which would all be

used in calculating the flame spread rate in the direction of air flow.

An attempt will then be made to calculate the empirical constants from

more fundamental properties of the materials and, thus, predict the re- sults of the test methods. This work is being done in cooperation with

the Fire Modeling group.

24
5. Solar System Fire Risk Assessment

The objective of this program is to evaluate methods for determining the

tendency of materials to self-heat after prolonged exposure to moderately

elevated temperatures. Material tests will be conducted using several

candidate test procedures and results compared with data in the literature and available field experience on the effects of long-term heating.

In addition, tests will be conducted in which materials are heated by

convection, radiation, and conduction separately to determine if the mode

of heating affects the rate of degradation which may lead to self-heating.

Materials examined will be those commonly found in solar collectors and

the test results will be tabulated so as to be useful to the designers

of solar collectors.

6. Fire Test Standards

The objective of this project is to develop laboratory test methods for

the ignitability , flame spread rate, and rates of heat release and smoke

production of construction and furnishing materials. These tests are intended to supply the input data on the fire properties of a material

needed by the analytical models being developed for fire growth and spread

in buildings. The tests must meet the criteria for ASTM Fire Test Standards, and their precision and accuracy must be demonstrated. The current

fire test methods used in CFR will be maintained and improved in conjunction with the ASTM task group activities.

Work will continue on the development of the ease of ignition test which

measures the time to ignition for vertically oriented interior finishing

and furnishing materials by flame impingement. Some important improvements have been suggested as a result of preliminary round robin tests

carried out on this test method.

Test methods for measuring the lateral and downward flame spread rates

along a vertical surface as a function of the surface temperature ahead

of the flame will be developed. In addition, a test method is needed to

characterize the flame spread rate in the direction of air flow up a wall

or across a ceiling. Some experiments are planned in this area which involve measuring the flame heights above vertical specimens as a function

of their heat release rate.

Work will continue on the development of the heat release rate calorimeters. An internal round robin will be run on a range of materials on all of the calorimeters at WBS in each of their modes of operation. In

addition, a furniture calorimeter has been built which can measure the

heat release rate of full-size furnishing items by this technique.

25
7. Fire Test Criteria

The objective of this project is to develop acceptance criteria for ma- terials and assemblies which will provide an acceptable level of fire

safety in specific applications. This involves the selection of a suitable set of test methods and setting limits on the fire performance of

the materials or assemblies in these tests. The acceptance criteria

will be derived from a correlation between the results of the fire tests

on the materials and assemblies and their full-scale burning behavior.

The output of this project will be used by building code’ officials and

the government regulatory agencies to reduce the incidence and severity

of unwanted fires within their jurisdiction.

The analytical models being developed for room fire growth will be modified to take into account the spread of flame over the combustible interior

finish materials and their heat release rates. Well instrumented reducedscale and full-scale room fire tests will be run with interior finish

materials whose fire properties have been measured in order to validate

or upgrade the computer models for predicting the contribution of interior

finish materials to fire growth. The acceptance criteria for these ma- terials can then be based on their predicted performance in a standard

room fire test or other enclosure fire of concern. The analytical model

serves as a guide for correlating the results of the laboratory tests

with the full-scale burning behavior.

This project is also responsive to other applications which may arise

due to the incidence of or recognized potential for serious fires in the

field. Through investigation and/or analysis of these real or potential

fires, scenarios are developed which can form the basis for (l) an analytical model which can predict the hazard based on small-scale laboratory

tests or (2) a mock-up test which captures the essential features of the

^ real life hazard.

f

8. Oxygen Consumption Calorimetry

The objective of this project is to improve the instrumentation used to

determine the heat release rates by oxygen consumption for the various

applications encountered in CFR, to establish the accuracy of the method

and its sensitivity to the test variables, and to make recommendations

as to the optimum instrumentation for a particular application in order

to achieve an acceptable balance of simplicity, accuracy, time response,

etc. The output of this work will be to refine the oxygen consumption

calorimeter and the measurement of heat release rate in the full- and

reduced-scale room fire tests, the fuel contribution in the ASTM E 8^+ tunnel, and the heat release rate of assemblies in the ASTM E 119 furnace.

A systematic study is in progress on the accuracy, sensitivity, and time

response of the oxygen consumption calorimetry technique by burning

solids, liquids, and gases of known chemical composition and heat of

combustion at various heat release rates in the oxygen consumption calorimeter. The effect of gas pressure, temperature, chemical composition,

26
and flow rate through the analyzer on the measured concentration of 0^

,

COg, and CO is being determined for the different types of analyzers

available. A comparison of different types of volume flow rate measurements in the exhaust duct—such as orifice plates, bidirectional probes,

and pitot tubes—will be made.

9. Large-Scale Fire Research Facilities

The following large-scale testing facilities are available at the

Gaithersburg site for use by CFR programs as needed:

Building 205:

This is a 60-ft. by 120- ft. test building with controlled environmental conditions; a large smoke collection hood serves the

individual experimental facilities and is connected to a large

stack with afterburner. The following facilities are contained

within the building.

A room burn and smoke test facility . This is a two- story

structure, 20 ft. by 20 ft. in plain view, which may be

used for fire growth studies and for examining fire and

smoke spread through ducts, dampers, doors, etc.

A corridor test facility . This is a 12-ft. wide, 30-ft.

long corridor with several burn rooms attached which can be used for a variety of studies, including the contribution of furnishings and interior finish, as well as sprinkler performance.

A research fire resistance furnace . This furnace is

designed to meet the essential requirements of ASTM

E 119 as well as to provide for more rapid heating of

walls (lO ft. by 8 ft.), floor/ceilings (lO ft. by

8 ft.), and columns (8 ft. high). Structural loads up

to 30 tons may be applied, and furnace pressure may be

adjusted from -0.05 in. to +0.15 in. water gage. The

furnace may be used to test components, innovative

constructions, and the effects of joints in wall/ floor

assemblies

.

Building 205 also houses rooms for specialized calorimeters,

small furnaces, and model enclosures. Laboratories are available for keeping and testing rats for toxicology studies in

conjuction with large-scale fire experiments. Shops, instrument rooms, and service areas are also located in the building.

Mobile homes specially instrumented and outfitted to permit

repetitive tests of fire growth and smoke movement and detection are adjacent to Building 205.

27
NBS Annex:

This is a former DOD facility adjacent to the NBS site which

is available for special tests. It has a three-story stair

tower which can be used for smoke spread and sprinkler studies

;

a dormitory building containing a 60-ft. long loaded corridor

with lobbies at each end; a large laboratory designed for smoke

detector testing; and, an electrical testing laboratory.

Instrumentation and Staff:

Each of the facilities is equipped with automatic data recording

systems to collect a wide variety of information from the largescale tests. A staff of five technicians and an instrumentation

specialist are available to support CFR research programs. An

instrumented van is available for field testing at distant sites.

Associated Grants

1. University of Michigan, George S. Springer — ’’Degradation of Mechanical Properties of Wood During Fire”

2. University of California (Berkeley), R. Brady Williamson — ’’Intralaboratory Evaluation of a Standard Room Fire Test”

3. Northwestern University, A. C. Fernandez Pello — ’’Fire Propagation

in Concurrent Flows”

4. Factory Mutual Research Corporation, A. Tewarson — ’’Determination of

Fuel Parameters for Fire Modeling”

5. Portland Cement Association, Michael Gillen — ’’Extension of ShortTerm Creep Tests at Elevated Temperatures”

28
FIRE TOXICOLOGY RESEARCH

FIRE SAFETY ENGINEERING DIVISION

CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

Professional Staff

Merritt M. Birky, Head

Maya Paabo, Research Chemist

Barbara C. Levin, Research Biologist

James E. Brown, Research Chemist

Dolores Malek, Guest Worker/GWU

Greg Smith, SPI Research Associate

Program Objective

The objective of research in fire toxicology is to reduce human fire

losses from inhalation of toxic combustion products by providing test

methods and recommended practices for predicting and reducing the

hazard

.

Project Areas

1. The development of a toxicity test method.

2. The correlation of small scale toxicity test system

with large scale fire experiments.

3. Involvement in MGM, Hilton and Stauffer Hotel Fires

4. The development of performance criteria for portable

"sniffers" to be used in arson investigation.

1. Development of Toxicity Test Method

A toxicity test method has been developed to Identify those materials

that produce unusually high toxic combustion products as distinguished from those materials that produce products that are equal to or less toxic than wood combustion products. The toxicity of com- bustion products is determined at 3 decomposition temperatures, 1

flaming mode and 2 non-flaming modes. Heat stress and oxygen deprivation are not included as part of the toxicity assessment. Six male

rats are exposed in the head only at each product concentration. The

three biological end-points examined during the development of the

test method were incapacitation during the thirty minute exposure,

lethality during the thirty minute exposure, and lethality during the

thirty minute exposure and a 14 day post-exposure period. An ad-hoc

toxicity committee agreed that the lethality end-point based on the

30 minute exposure and 14 day post-exposure period provides sufficient data with which to distinguish those materials which produce

combustion products that are much more toxic than Douglas fir. To

determine if the combustion products of any material would act

extremely quickly, a 10 minute animal exposure at a mass loading of

29
30 mg/1 would be carried out on any material in which the for

the 30 minute and 14 day exposure was between 2 and 30 mg/1. The LO^q

is the concentration which causes lethality in 50% of the animals.

Blood chemistry (carboxyhemoglobin, pH, and other blood parameters) is

correlated with specific toxicant analysis to help determine the cause

of incapacitation and death. Evaluation of a limited number of

materials that produce different toxicological syndromes has demonstrated the applicability of the proposed test method.

Seven laboratories selected from academia, industry and government used

the NBS test method for measuring the toxicity of combustion products

in order to evaluate the reproducibility of results. The experimental

design specified that each laboratory was responsible for Douglas fir

plus three other materials from a total of 12 natural and synthetic

samples. NBS determined the toxicity of all 12 materials.

The materials were chosen by an ad-hoc committee and distributed by NBS.

All laboratories were required to determine the toxicity of the materials

under both flaming and non-flaming conditions; and to measure blood

carboxyhemoglobin. Toxicity was determined on the basis of incapacitation (hindleg flexure) during the 30 minute exposure and of lethality

during the exposure and 14 day post-exposure period. NBS calculated the

EC^q results [mass-loading/chamber volume (mg/1) necessary to induce

incapacitation of 50% of the rats] and LC-„ results (mg/1 necessary to cause lethality in 50% of the rats) from the data supplied by the

participating laboratories. The results were statistically analyzed by

both a t-test and a z-test. We conclude from the inter-laboratory

evaluation that the NBS toxicity test method will provide consistent

results among various laboratories. Also, the results show that the

division of materials into various toxic classifications is the same regardless of whether incapacitation or lethality data are used.

As indicated in the listing of associated grants, George Washington

University has been involved in the toxicological efforts at NBS with

two major objectives: (1) to provide toxicological support to NBS in

the development of the proposed combustion toxicity test method, and

(2) to investigate the applicability of histologic and various physiological techniques to identify target organ(s) to be studied in the

protocol development. The first objective has been adequately discussed

above

.

The interest in the second objective is to help define the mode of action

of toxic agents in order to identify early indications of developing

toxicity and the levels at which significant functional disability or dysfunction occurs. The work involves the establishment of a logical

series of screening tests with particular emphasis on those applicable

to materials that produce unusually toxic combustion products, although

the techniques would be applicable to other materials as well.

Present evidence suggests that smoke from some materials is capable of

exerting both acute and delayed effects. Therefore an attempt will be

30
be made to establish threshold levels for accurate descriptions of the

event of incapacitation, deferred toxicity and acute death.

2. Correlation of Small Scale Toxicity Test System with Large

Scale Fire Experiments

Smoldering combustion of two materials, flexible polyurethane foam and

cotton, has been carried out in large scale (closed room) experiments

for comparison with the protocol procedure (small scale) . Chemical

analysis of the products generated and animal exposures in both systems

are used as a basis for determining whether toxic products generated in

the protocol system are consistent with self-smoldering combustion in

large scale. Smoldering combustion of cotton and polyurethane was chosen

since smoldering ignition of these two materials is the principal fire

scenario that leads to loss of life.

In the case of flexible polyurethane foam, the yield of carbon monoxide

(CO) and carbon dioxide (CO^) is very nearly the same in the large scale

and protocol experimental procedures. Total hydrocarbon production is

somewhat lower in the large scale self-smoldering case, while hydrogen

cyanide (HCN) is higher. However in both cases, the HCN concentrations

are not high enough to be the primary toxicological factor. "Fingerprint"

profiles of the products from the two types of combustion are qualitatively

very similar.

Animal experiments confirm the relative significance of the CO and HCN

results. However, the LC^q results show the protocol to be toxicologically

more severe than the self-smoldering large scale experiments. The toxicological syndrome also appears to be different in the two cases.

To investigate these differences, measurements of TDI concentrations in

the protocol and in the self smoldering large scale experiments have been

made. In the protocol, peak concentrations of about 10 ppm were observed

while in the self smoldering large scale experiments, TDI concentration was less than 0.3 ppm. However these differences alone probably do not

account for the different toxicological syndrome.

In the cotton comparison, the yields of degradation products between the

two scales are very similar to CO and CO

2

. Preliminary toxicological

data suggests that the two experiments are similar, although again postexposure deaths occurred in the small scale experiments that did not occur in the large scale experiments.

Preliminary flaming combustion of two materials, wood and modacrylic, has

been carried out in large scale experiments for comparison with the

protocol procedure. Chemical analysis of the products generated in both

systems are used as a basis for determining whether toxic products generated in the protocol system are consistent with flaming combustion in

large scale. Animal exposures were not made.

31
In the case of wood, the yield of CO is higher in the protocol procedure

than in flaming combustion in the large scale. However a wider range of

flaming conditions in the large scale test needs to be Investigated. In

the case of modacrylic, the yield of HCN is very nearly the same in the

large scale and protocol experimental procedures.

3. Involvement in MGM, Hilton and Stauffer Hotel Fires

Three accidental hotel fires involving substantial loss in human life

occurred during the past year. Investigations of these fires included

the identification of various materials that contributed to the fire in

the hotels, analysis of blood samples from victims and consulting with

various investigators including the U.S. Fire Administration.

While the studies on these fires are incomplete, the information obtained

from these activities has provided additional insights into the toxicological consequences of accidental fires.

4. Performance Standard for Hydrocarbon Vapor Detectors (Arson)

A method of detecting and locating residual flammable liquids absorbed

in fire debris of porous materials (e.g. wood, carpets, upholstery, and

cellular plastics) is a vital step for detection of arson initiated fires.

Portable hydrocarbon vapor detectors are devices which can be and are often used to locate debris that is slowly evolving vapors of residual

flammable liquids. However, evaluation of the sensitivity and selectivity of vapor detectors to hydrocarbon vapors in an environment con- taining fire debris has not been made. Knowledge of vapor detector

response under a range of conditions is essential for effective use and

appropriate selection of these instruments.

The basic types of detectors used the following means of sensing organic

vapors:

1. catalytic combustion,

2. flame ionization, and

3. photoionization.

A commercial instrument using each of the methods of vapor detection is

being used in this investigation.

A performance standard for vapor detectors was designed and is in preparation. The research leading to this standard includes the determination of

the sensitivity of the three basic types of detectors (commercially available) to vapor standards consisting of one and two components common to

petroleum distillates. The vapor standards were prepared dynamically by

continuously mixing constant flows of hydrocarbon vapor and air using the

method recently developed and reported ("Hydrocarbon Vapor Standards for

32
Performance Evaluation of Combustible Gas Detectors", NBS Special Publica

tion 480-43, in press).

Because fire debris of many materials also liberates low levels of

combustible vapors, a method was designed and is being used to determine

the levels of these vapors. This phase of the research includes measurement of the response of the detectors to vapors from simulated fire

debris which was prepared from several materials without an accelerant

and similar materials containing a liquid accelerant.

Associated Grants

University of Maryland, Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services

Roy Myers, "Fire Casualty Study".

University of Pittsburgh, Yves Alarie, "Toxicity of Plastic Combustion

Products"

.

Colorado School of Mines, Kent Voorhees, "Characterization of Aerosols

from Fires".

George Washington University, Richard A. Kenney, "Toxicological Studies

of Combustion Products".

33
PRODUCT FLAMMABILITY RESEARCH

FIRE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION DIVISION

CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

Professional Personnel

Richard W. Bukowski, Head

Vytenis Babrauskas, Fire Protection Engineer

Emil Braun, Physicist

John Krasny, Textile Technologist

Joseph Loftus, Research Chemist

Richard Peacock, Chemical Engineer

Program Objectives

One objective of the Product Flammability Research Group is to obtain a better understanding of the fire hazards posed by products and materials

through the development of standard test methods which evaluate their

performance under fire conditions. Another is the characterization of

energy-consuming systems, appliances, and wiring as ignition sources to

devise ways of reducing the likelihood of ignitions from them.

Project Areas

1. Spontaneous Ignition of Coal (DOE)

The objective of this project is to reduce the incidence of spontaneous

ignitions of coal by identifying the causes for such ignition, developing

procedures to predict the propensity of various coals to spontaneous

ignition, and methods which can be employed to prevent ignition.

2. Fire Safety Aspects of Wood as a Fuel (DOE/CPSC)

This project involves the study of hazards associated with the operation

of wood-burning appliances, wood stoves, fireplaces, and fireplace inserts.

Specific areas being investigated Include clearances to combustible

surfaces, protective devices used with reduced clearances, and creosoting/

chimney fires.

3. Upholstered Furniture Flammability (CPSC)

Two unique test methods are being developed to provide improved measurements of the hazards posed by furniture at significantly reduced testing

costs. The first is a furniture calorimeter in which full-scale items are burned to obtain heat release data which can then be used to predict

fire spread and flashover potential in rooms. This calorimeter could

obviate the need for much more costly room burn tests but with comparable

results. The second is a laboratory-scale cone calorimeter which would

34
be used to obtain similar rate of heat release measurements on small

samples. This calorimeter uses the oxygen consumption principle of

sensing and is eventually expected to have wide application, not

restricted to furniture. Data from the calorimeter will be useful both

for acceptance testing of materials and as input data into room fire

models.

4. Test Methods for Explosion-Proof Equipment for Mines (BOM)

In this project, an evaluation of current test methods for the approval

of explosion-proof electrical equipment in mines by MSHA will be evaluated against the statutory requirements of Part 18 of 30 CFR. Comparisons

to the procedures followed by other laboratories (U.S. and foreign) for

similar equipment will also be made, with differences in approach and the

significance of these differences to the safety provided to be determined.

Associated Grants

1. Auburn University, Timothy T. Maxwell - "Investigation of the Safety

Problems Associated With Fireplace Inserts"

2. Underwriters Laboratories, Incorporated, Wayne Terpstra - "Investigation of Fire Hazards of Fireplace Inserts in Factory-Built

and Masonry Fireplaces"

35
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution ; AeroChem Research Laboratories, Inc.

Contract Na; NB 80 NADA 1038

Contract Title : Soot Nucleation Mechanisms in Fires

Principal Investigators : Dr. H.F. Calcote

Dr. D.B. Olson

AeroChem Research Laboratories, Inc.

P.O. Box 12

Princeton, New Jersey 08540

NBS Scientific Officer : Dr. Kermit Smyth

Technical Abstract

Soot formation is characteristic of all fires. Radiative heat transfer from soot plays a dominant role in maintaining the fire and inhalation of smoke is a major cause of fire casualties. Yet the mechanism

by which soot forms is not understood.

This program is aimed at understanding the mechanism of soot formation in laminar diffusion flames with the ultimate goal of understanding

sooting in fires. The hypothesis being investigated is that an ionic

reaction mechanism dominates the nucleation and initial growth of soot

particles. Ion concentration profiles in gaseous diffusion flames of

several small hydrocarbon fuels are being measured mass spectrometrically,

supplemented by Langmuir probe and temperature measurements. Neutral

species concentration profiles in the same flames will also be obtained.

The mechanism of soot formation has been the subject of considerable

research and much speculation for many years. Recently,^ ^ it has been

concluded that an ionic mechanism may be important in the initial phase

of the overall process. Figure 1 shows a schematic of the proposed mechanism. We are performing experiments in this program to extend the

flame structure studies performed in premixed flames to include diffusion flames, since these systems more closely relate to real fire situations.

Work to date has consisted of flame ion mass spectrometric and Langmuir probe sampling of rectangular and cylindrical one atm diffusion

flames of propane and ethylene. Experimental techniques used previously

to sample flame ions from low pressure rich and sooting premixed flames^

were found to perform poorly when applied to atmospheric pressure diffusion flames. The low velocity and low heat flux diffusion flames are easily perturbed by the mass spectrometer sampling cones. Several alternative sampling cone styles were designed and tested. Orifice clogging

and the possibility of ion-molecule reactions in the quench zone were

36
additional problems encountered when sampling under the heavy sooting

conditions previously studied by Haynes and Wagner.^ Under leaner con- ditions the mass spectra show a series of heavy hydrocarbon ions similar

to those obtained in premixed flames, providing preliminary evidence

that the soot formation process may follow the same mechanism under both

conditions

.

Langmuir probe measurements were used to obtain absolute total ion

concentrations in a rectangular sooting propane flame. Care was nec- essary to obtain data unperturbed by soot deposition on the probe. These

probe data were analyzed to give ion concentration profiles across the

flame front at several heights above the burner. Peak ion concentrations

were typically 5 x 10^° to 10 x 10^° ions cm“^, considerably lower than

peak soot particle number densities measured by Haynes and Wagner. It

has yet to be demonstrated that this steady state ion concentration is

sufficient to support an ionic nucleation mechanism.

PCAH in Soot ; Literature data on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

adsorbed on soot from various fuels and combustion sources (premixed

flames, burning solids, and turbojet engine exhaust) have been analyzed

for similarities and to test for correlations between PCAH emissions

and fuel composition, physical configuration, or combustor type. Overall it was found that the emitted PCAHs are relatively insensitive to

fuel or combustor type. Premixed gaseous flames emitted predominantly

the lower molecular weight compounds indene and naphthalene. Kerosene

and burning (nonflaming) PVC emitted the highest quantities of the most

prevalent PCAH compounds (fluorene, phenanthrene , anthracene, and pyrene), whereas wood fires, the turbojet engine (kerosene fuel), and a benzene flame emitted the highest levels of benzopyrene (a and e iso- mers combined).

References

1. Calcote, H.F., "Mechanisms of Soot Nucleation in Flames - A Critical

Review," to be published in Combust. Flame.

2. Olson, D.B. and Calcote, H.F., "Ions in Fuel Rich and Sooting Acetylene and Benzene Flames," Eighteenth Symposium (International) on Combustion (The Combustion Institute Pittsburgh, in press).

3. Olson, D.B. and Calcote, H.F., "Ionic Mechanisms of Soot Nucleation

in Premixed Flames," Particulate Carbon: Formation During Combustion

(Plenum Press, New York, in press).

4. Haynes, B.S. and Wagner, H.Gg., "Sooting Structure in a Laminar

Diffusion Flame," Ber. Bunsenges. Phys. Chem. 499 (1980).

37
Reports and Papers

Olson, D.B. and Calcote, H.F., "A Comparison of Polycyclic Aromatic

Hydrocarbons in Soot Produced from Various Sources," presented at the

Fall Technical Meeting, Eastern Section: The Combustion Institute,

Princeton, NJ, November 1980; in preparation for publication.

1-teA e- PRIMARY

FLAME

IONS

rS

NEUTRAL

FLAME

SPECIES

SOOT

LARGE

AROMATIC

IONS NUCLEATION

AGGLOMERATION

OF SMALL

PARTICLES

lOi

V

ION •• RECOMBINATION

INCIPIENT

SOOT

PARTICLES

e- V"

SMALL

PARTICLES

NEUTRAL AND

SMALL

CHARGED

PARTICLES

THERMAL

lONIZA TION

FIGURE 1 PROPOSED MECHANISM OF SOOT FORMATION

38
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution : The National Task Force on Life Safety and the Handicapped

(NTF/LSH)

The AIA Research Corporation (AIA/RC)

Grant No. : NBS Grant NB80NADA 1058

Grant Title : The 1980 National Conference on Life Safety and the

Handicapped

Principal Investigators : Howard Teich

National Task Force on Life Safety and

the Handicapped

New York, New York

Earle Kennett

American Institute of Architects

Research Corporation

1735 New York Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20006

Other Professional Personnel : J. Armand Burgun, AIA (NTF/LSH)

Edwina Juillet

Peggy Smith

Clarence Nicodemus

Alexander Shaw (AIA/RC)

Gretchen Bank

Karen Smith

Harold Nelson (NBS)

Bernard Levin

Guy Clark (Veterans Administration

Daniel Hollyfield

Jan Thomas (FEMA)

NBS Scientific Officer : Bernard Levin

Technical Abstract

Our society has made a conscious decision to Integrate the handicapped into the "mainstream” of everyday life. This decision is embodied

in the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (P.L. 90-480) , the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112), and the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive

Services and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978 (P.L. 95-602).

Significant progress has been made toward making buildings accessible to

the handicapped. But this very success brings a concomitant responsibility for dealing with the problem of protection and emergency exit.

39
Simply stated, ingress implies egress.

The 1980 Conference on Life Safety and the Handicapped was another

step in an ongoing process of responsibly addressing this issue.

The objectives of the 1980 Conference on Life Safety and the

Handicapped were education, articulation, and formulation: education

as to the overall existence of the issue, articulation of specific

problems and needs, and formulation of a national agenda for how to

address the issue. More specifically, the objectives were:

° to educate a large, broad-based constituency as to the overall

goals, problems, and needs related to life safety for the

handicapped;

° to demonstrate the existence of such a constituency by the

number and type of associations represented at the Conference,

and to build on that constituency for furtherance of solutions;

° to compile Conference presentations and to produce a document

which will represent the state-of-the-art of work and products

related to the field; and

° to formulate a National Agenda for dealing with the overall

issue, to be initiated by presentation of an implementation

plan matrix based on proceedings from the 1979 Conference on Fire Safety for the Handicapped, held at the National Bureau

of Standards (NBS) with the participation of:

° the AIA Research Corporation (AIA/RC)

° the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

° the National TasR Force on Life Safety and the

Handicapped (NTF/LSH)

° the Veterans Administration (VA)

° the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Toward the goal of formulating a National Agenda a significant

portion of the Conference was devoted to workshops. In all, there were

twelve workshops. The following list Identifies ten of these: six

elements—building design, transportation systems, public education,

emergency planning, emergency services, and products; and four forces

social, technological, legal/administrative , and economic. The remaining

two workshops were related to university concerns and the NBS proposal to

structure a technical fire research program.

Reports and Papers

Papers presented at the 1980 Conference on Life Safety and the

Handicapped (included in Proceedings).

40
Howard Teich, "National Task Force on Life Safety and the Handicapped"

Irwin Benjamin, "Life Safety Codes —Current State of Regulations Providing

Safety Considerations in Buildings Accessible to the Handicapped"

Harold Nelson, "1979 Conference on Life Safety and the Handicapped"

Everett Blizzard, "Emergency Planning"

Jerry Kuns, "Public Education"

Fred Jameson, "Notification and Alarm Systems—The Las Vegas Story"

Rexford Wilson, "Fire Protection Strategies"

Philip Favro, "Implications to Fire Services"

Jo Anne Simon, "Panel on University Concerns—Toward a State-of-the-Art"

Gwen H. Callas, "Panel on University Concerns—A Model for Fire and

Emergency Evacuation Training"

"Panel on University Concerns—Handicapped Student Evacuation Plan"

Susan O'Hara, "Panel on University Concerns—Fire Safety and Disabled

Students at the University of California, Berkeley"

"Panel on University Concerns —Panel Notes"

Clarence Nicodemus, "A Case Study"

John Weber for David Dibner, FAIA, "Implications for Federal Buildings

Safe Environments - What Does It Take?"

Peter Waldman, "Mental Disabilities"

Arnold Gangnes, AIA, "Developmental Disabilities"

Robert J. Lynch, FAIA, "Compliance"

J. Armand Burgun, AIA, "Life Safety Codes"

41
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution ; Auburn University

Grant No .; NB 80 NADA 1012

Grant Title ; Investigations of the Safety Problems Associated with

Fireplace Inserts

Principal Investigators ; Glennon Maples, Professor

David Dyer, Professor

Timothy T. Maxwell, Assistant Professor

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Auburn University, AL 36849

NBS Scientific Officer; Richard Peacock

Technical Abstract

Wood burning has become a very popular means of home heating in

the last few years. But there are problems with wood burning stoves

and fireplaces. Fireplaces are typically very high excess air devices,

and thus, they possess a very low energy efficiency. Stoves, on the

other hand, are generally much more efficient; however, when properly

and safely installed, the free-standing stove requires a large amount

of floor space. One solution has been the development of fireplace

inserts—an appliance that operates at relatively low levels of excess

air and requires little or no floor space from the room in which it is

installed. Basically, the fireplace insert is an airtight woodburning

appliance that is designed to fit into the firebox of an existing fireplace. The original fireplace provides a nomcombustible encasement and

chimney for the insert and the airtight design coupled with a proper

heat exchanger provides Improved energy efficiency and heating capacity

over that of the original fireplace.

The fireplace Insert is not without its problems. Masonry fireplaces generally operate quite safely in the way that they were intended to function; however, when they are essentially converted to an airtight appliance and the mode of operation likely is changed from

a few hours in the evening to a 24 hour operation, overheating of

nearby combustibles can result. When operating as an airtight appliance, the insert-fireplace combination does not have the large amount

of excess combustion air typical of an open fireplace passing through

the system; thus, the appliance and chimney operate at higher temperatures. Also, because of the intermittent operation typical of most

open fireplaces, they never approach steady state thermal conditions;

inserts are typically run 24 hours a day when the weather requires

heating, thus, the fireplace and chimney reach much higher temperatures.

Finally, as with all airtight woodburning appliances, fireplace inserts

tend to achieve less than complete combustion. The unburned fuel

42
collects In the chimney as creosote. This creosote can at a later time

ignite and burn inside the chimney producing much higher chimney temperatures than normal.

The overall objective of this project is to assess the limitations

and capabilities of various types of fireplace Inserts in various types

of fireplaces. Hence, the first task was to classify the existing inserts according to generic types. A similar classification study on fireplaces was carried out by Underwriters Laboratory. A Masonry was designed to be a minimal unit but conform to the letter of existing

building codes. This fireplace and several "zero-clearance" or manufactured fireplaces were used as the test fireplaces. Once the inserts

and fireplaces were classified, typical units were selected and tested

by performance and safety in various fireplaces. Also, some qualitative

field tests were carried out during the project.

The results will be analyzed to determine what, if any, basic

safety problems are associated with the use of fireplace inserts in

either masonry or manufactured fireplaces. The results will also be

made available to code and standard groups for their use in forming and

evaluating relevant codes and standards.

Reports and Papers

Burch, T., Dyer, D. F., Maples, G. , and Maxwell, T. T., "Fire Safety

Of Wood-Burning Appliances, Part II; Fireplace Inserts, A Design

Review" National Bureau of Standards, 1980.

43
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution : Brown University

Grant No : NBS Grant NB80NADA 1024

Grant Title : Effects of Material Properties on Burning and ExtinctionFires on Vertical Fuel Surfaces

Principal Investigator : Professor M. Sibulkin

Division of Engineering

Brown University

Providence, RI 02912

Other Professional Personnel : S. Malary, Graduate Research Assistant

S. Tewari, Graduate Research Assistant

NBS Scientific Officer: J. Rockett

Technical Abstract :

The objective of this program is to determine the effects of changes

in material properties on the burning rates and extinction limits for

flaming combustion of solid fuels. A vertical geometry is used because

it provides the best opportunity to compare experimental results with

detailed mathematical analyses. Work on a previous grant resulted in a computer program for modelling a free convection, diffusion flame on a vertical fuel surface. Using this program it was found for small-scale

fires that radiation from the fuel surface was more important than flame

radiation to the surface. Even in the analytical limit of infinite

chemical reaction rate, it was found that surface radiation could lead

to extinction. Finite rate chemistry was subsequently modelled using a one-step global reaction, and was found to have little effect on burning

rates. The action of a gas phase fire retardant was simulated by changing the chemical reaction rate. The results gave qualitative agreement

with measurements in which CF^Br (Halon 1301) was added to the ambient

gas mixture.

Calculations of the effects of water droplet sprays on the burning

of vertical fuel surfaces have been completed during this grant period.

The analysis considers three physical effects: the injection of steam

into the boundary layer, a surface heat sink due to water evaporation,

and the reduction in surface radiation due to partial coverage of the

surface by water droplets. A simple theory was devised to estimate an upper limit for the fraction of the fuel surface covered by water droplets in steady state burning as a function of water application rate.

The boundary layer computer program was used to calculate the burning

rate of PMMA slabs as a function of water application rate m^^ (see Fig.l)

The calculations show that the burning rate mp (= liip x de- creases with increasing values of m^, and that extinction occurs at m^^ between 2.7 and 4.2 x 10“^ g/s cm^ depending on the estimate of surface

44
radiation used,

limits of = 2 Published experimental results have given extinction

X 10"^ g/s cm^ for PMMA slabs.

During this period the boundary layer analysis and computer program

were extended to obtain results for nonunity Lewis number. (For this

situation the mathematical simplifications given by Schvab-Zeldovich

theory no longer apply.) A range of Lewis numbers from Le = 0.5 to 2.0 was chosen for investigation. Results were calculated for PMMA burning

in air. It is found (see Fig. 2) that there is a 15 percent increase

in burning rate m over this range. The corresponding increase in flame

temperature is 30 percent. The chemical reaction rate is found to have

a negligible effect on the burning rate.

The results discussed above were obtained using the local similarity approximation which reduces the mathematical problem to the solution of ordinary differential equations. During this period, calculation of the nonsimilar, partial differential equations was programmed.

Solutions were obtained using either a forward difference or a CrankNicolson algorithm. Both difference techniques give the same results.

The local similarity approximation solutions for burning rate m* are compared with the exact nonsimilar results in Fig. 3 where x is downstream distance. Results are shown for both infinite chemical reaction

rate, and for a finite chemical reaction rate derived from the literature. The results show close agreement between the approximate and

exact solutions for the burning rate.

Papers based upon the results of the nonunity Lewis number and nonsimilar solutions will be prepared.

Experimental preparations for the study of the effect of ambient

oxygen concentration on completeness of combustion (CO/CO2 ratio) have

reached a final stage. Measurements will begin shortly. Our major ex- perimental effort in the future will be a study of the effects of solid

phase fire retardants on flaming combustion. The family of materials

used will be fire retarded cellulose. A technique has been developed

for the manufacture of homogeneous cellulose cylinders. After molding

under pressure and subsequent vacuum drying the cylinders have a specific gravity which varies from 0.45 for a 50 psig load to 0.48 for a 250 psig load. We are in the process of surveying the qualitative effects of a range of retardants on burning behavior.

Reports and Papers

"Effects of radiation on the burning of a vertical fuel surface," M. Sibulkin, A. K. Kulkarni and K. Annamalai, Eighteenth Symp. (Int.) on Combustion, 1981.

"Burning on a vertical fuel surface with finite chemical reaction rate,"

M. Sibulkin, A. K. Kulkarni and K. Annamalai, Combustion and Flame (in

press)

.

45
"Burning rate measurements on vertical fuel surfaces," A. K. Kulkami

and M. Sibulkin, Combustion and Flame (in press).

"Free convection diffusion flames with inert additives," M. Sibulkin and

C-Y. Wang, ASME - 1981 Winter Annual Meeting (submitted for publication);

a portion of this work was presented at the Eastern Section Meeting/ Combustion Institute, Nov. 1980.

0,4 |- q”

^ CONSTANT Rs 0 3 q'pjVARIABLE

m» 0,2 - /

//

1

/

//

//

//

1

'

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 -

0

0

1 1 1 I I.O 20 3,0 40

X lO”* (g/cm^s)

Fig. 1. Effect of water application rate on burning

and extinction of PMMA slabs.

0.6

0.4

0.3

m* Ag ( m^/s g- mole

)

0.2 00

I X I0'°

O.l

I » I I I 1 1 0.6 0.8 I.O 1. 5 2.0

Le

Fig. 2. Variation of burning rate with Lewis number

46
Fig. 3. Comparison of local similarity solutions with

nonsimilar boundary layer calculations.

47
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution ; California Institute of Technology

Grant No : NBS Grant G8-9014

Grant Title : Experimental Study of Environment and Heat

Transfer in a Room Fire

Principal Investigator : Professor Edward E. Zukoski 301-46

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA 91125

Other Professional Personnel ; Professor Toshi Kubota

William Sargent, Ph.D. Candidate

Baki Cetegen, Ph.D. Candidate

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA 91125

NBS Scientific Officer : Dr. J. Quintiere

Technical Abstract

We are investigating a number of fluid dynamic problems associated

with the movement of smoke and air through a multicompartmented building

as a result of a fire in one of the compartments. We are primarily

interested in rooms in which a pre-flashover condition exists and in

developing experimental data for turbulent flow processes for which good

models do not now exist. Our selection of experimental problems has

been guided in part by problems which arose during our efforts to

develop a simple nxamerical model for gas motion produced by fires in a multicompartmented building. Our current research work is outlined

below.

Computer Model . We have continued to develop our computer model

of the spread of smoke through a multi-room building with arbitrary

internal and external connections. The program, in a previous incarnation, has been successfully transferred to the Fire Research Center of

NBS; Livermore and Los Alamos Laboratories of DOE; and to the Naval

Research Laboratory.

In the present form of the program, we are extending the calculation to include the capability of describing the flow in N rooms, doorway mixing phenomena and temperature variations in the cool layer.

Currently, the model contains a description of the near field of the fire

as described below. We are still working on a simplified heat transfer

model which will include radiative and convective heat transfer to walls.

48
Experimental Program . We have completed an investigation of en- trainment of mass by streams of gas flowing through openings. The ex- periments were carried out using salt water-water mixtures to model the

buoyant flows. One problem involved a hot jet of fluid flowing out

through the top of a door and into a cooler (and hence more dense) fluid

in the adjoining room. (See m^^ of Sketch 1) This door- jet behaved

like a simple buoyant point source pl\mie. The door- jet entrainment

follows the law for our far-field point source plximes to within a multiplicative constant whose value changes when the door-jet changes from a separated jet (Sketch 1) to a jet attached to the wall.

We also used the salt water-water technique to examine the mixing

produced by a thin door-jet of cool air entering a room along the floor

and with a very deep ceiling layer of hot gas above it. Mixing occurs

at the interface between the hot "stagnant" gas of the ceiling layer

and the "high" speed, cooler floor jet and entrains gas into the cooler

layer at a rate m^p (see Sketch 1) . We found that a Richardson Number

scaling parameter could be used to correlate these results.

Given the success of this study (which results will be reported in

Z\akoski et al. Reference 1 listed below) , we are now investigating the

entrainment rates of both of these flows in a 1/2 scale test facility

in which hot air (100-150®C) is used to model the smoke and a chemical

tracer (CO^) is added to aid in making the determination of the entrainment rates.

Our major effort diiring the past year has been a study of entrainment in the buoyant plumes produced by fires. We have completed our

studies of entrainment rates in the plume above the fire and conclude

that our simple point soiirce model gives a good approximation for this

region without any requirement for offset of the origin.

These experiments have emphasized results obtained with no disturbances present in the ambient atmosphere. Entrainment rates in real

fires can be much larger due to disturbances in the ambient flow. Thus,

Sketch 1.

49
for a fire pliame located in a room with a strong inflowing jet of fresh

air (produced by the flow through a doorway)

,

we have found that entrainment rates are as much as two times larger than the values obtained with

no disturbance. We are examining these problems now and a report of

some results is given in Zukoski et al, 1981, Reference 2 listed below.

The entrainment in the region of the fire where rapid heat release

occurs is much more complex. We have used a slight modification of oiir

standard technique for this zone. In the new technique, the ceiling

layer is formed within a hood held over the fire as before but we now

use chemical analysis of the gas to determine the entrainment rate be- cause of the difficulty of handling ceiling layer gases as hot as 1000-

2000°K. (See Sketch 2) The interface height is determined with aid

of an optical technique. This work is described in detail in the report

by Zukoski et al, listed below as Reference 3. Porous bed burners with

diameter D of 0.10-0.50 m and total heat release rates of 10-100 kw were studied in a cubical hood 1.25 m on edge.

The results suggest entrainment in the first 1/2 to 1 meter

above the fire scale as Z D where Z is the distance from the burner

bed to the interface and D is the burner diameter. An integral analysis

of the buoyant diffusion flame-sheet formed between an accelerating fuel

jet on one side and quiescent air on the other agrees with the scaling

law and thus leads us to believe that molecular transport processes

such as those which occur in a buoyant diffusion flame dominate the en- trainment process in this initial region of the flame.

In the initial region, entrainment rates for small values of the

ceiling layer height, Z, are still large enough to insure that the overall fuel-air ratio in the ceiling layer will be less than the stoichiometric value even when the Z/D ratio is as small as 2 . We also found

that even when most of the visible flame lies above the ceiling layer

interface, the combustion processes in the vitiated gas within the

ceiling layer (i.e., in the 1.2 m hood) still occur with almost 100%

efficiency and that no visible soot is formed until the fuel-air ratio

50
in the hood rises above 80%. This high combustion efficiency occurs

under conditions for which the average residence times for gas in the

hood is greater than 1 second.

In a second region, between the top of the initial region and the

top of the flame, the entrainment process is similar to that in the far

field. That is the entrainment rate at a given height Z above the

burner is proportional to the plume centerline velocity and a scale for

the pliame which is proportional to height, Z. However, we assume that,

in this region of the flame, heat addition keeps the average gas

temperature^E^latively constant, leads to an entrainment rate which

scales as Z as compared with Z for the far-field pliome.

This work is discussed in detail in the paper by Ziakoski et al

,

Reference 3 listed below, and is being continued in the present contract

year

.

Reports and Papers

1.

Zukoski, E. E., Sene, K. and Peterka, D., "Entrainment Rates in

Flows Through Openings Produced by Room Fires," Report for Center

For Fire Research, NBS, California Institute of Technology, August

1981.

2. Zukoski, E. E., Kubota, T. and Cetegen, B., "Entrainment in Fire

Pliames," Fire Safety Journal, 3 (1980-81) 107-21.

3. Zxikoski, E. E., Cetegen, B. and Kubota, T., "Entrainment in Buoyant

Flames and Their Pliames," Report for Center For Fire Research,

NBS, California Institute of Technology, July, 1981.

51
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution ; Case Western Reserve University

Grant No, ; DA-1017

Grant Title ; Flame Spread and Spread Limits

Principal Investigator ; Professor James S. T'ien

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace

Engineering

Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, Ohio 44106

Other Professional Personnel ; Robert Borgeson (Graduate Student)

Charlie Chen (Graduate Student)

NBS Scientific Officer ; Dr. James G. Quintiere

Technical Abstract

The overall objective of this research program is to develop

basic understanding on flame spreads and spread limits. The work

involves experimental and theoretical modeling efforts for both downward (opposed flow) and upward (concurrent flow) flame spreads.

At the present time, the modeling effort is concentrated on the

extension of an existing opposed-flow flame spread model [1] to Include

the external radiation effect and the pyrolysis kinetic effect for

multi-component fuels. The dominant effect of external radiation on spread limits was found to be through the increase of unburnt fuel

temperature (for reasonably long radiation exposure time). Since it is

easy to establish a relationship between external radiative heat

flux level and the surface temperature for a given sample geometry

and orientation, the spread limit is computed in terms of fuel surface

temperatures. The numerical computation is still continuing.

Simultaneous with the addition of external radiation, the model

in Ref. 1 is modified to include fuels with more than one component

(e.g. primary fuel and inert). The different components may have

different pyrolytic kinetics. The interest here is to find the

pyrolytic kinetic effect on flame spread limit.

Experimentally, upward propagations were measured for paper and

rigid polyurethane samples of various widths. Steady-state flame

spreads have been obtained in laboratory size paper samples with

narrow sample widths. The spread rate, pyrolysis length, preheating

distance, surface temperature vs. distance and spread limits were

52
measured as a function of total pressure and oxygen mole fraction.*

In selected cases, gas phase temperature profiles and surface heat flux

were also measured. The upward flame spread over narrow samples has

been found to be three-dimensional in nature, i.e. the lateral cold

air entrainment into the fire plume is very important. In order to

quantify this effect, the surface heat flux is being measured at offcenterline positions for different size samples. The work is still

being continued. Such detailed measurements could provide more understanding of the mechanisms of upward flame spreads and spread limits

as well as provide the data for comparison with model predictions.

References

1. Frey, A. E. and T'ien, J. S., "A Theory of Flame Spread over Solid

Fuels Including Finite Rate Chemical Kinetics", Combustion and

Flame, 36: 245-262 (1979).

Reports and Papers

Chu, L. and T’ien, J. S., "Upward Flame Propagation over Paper Samples",

submitted to the Winter Annual Heat Transfer Meeting, ASME, November

1981.

a VISIBLE FLAME TIP

k PYROLYSIS FRONT DIRECTION OF PROPAGATION

Centerline Isotherms in an Upward Snreading Flame over Paper Surface,

Sample A, P^ =0.20 atm, =30%, paper width = 1 cm.

*See figures.

53
Nondimensional Centerline Temperature Profile in the Preheat

Zone of an Upward Spreading Flame at Various Gas-Phase

Conditions, Sample A, D=1 cm. 6 is the pyrolysis length.

Log Y (Limiting Oxygen Mole Fraction) vs. Log P^ (Limiting

Total Pressure) . Flammability Limits of Upward and

Downward Propagation for paper Sample A, paper width = 1 cm.

54
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution : Clemson University

Grant No. : NBS Grant NB80NADA1042

Grant Title : Ternary Reactions Among Polymer Substrate-OrganohalogenAntimony Oxides in the Condensed Phase Under Pyrolytic,

Oxidative and Flaming Conditions.

Principal Investigator : Dr. M. J. Drews

Textile Department

Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina 29631

Other Professional Personnel : Dr. C. W. Jarvis, Co-principal

Investigator

Ms. J. D. Hansel, Graduate Assistant

NBS Scientific Officer : Dr. W. Earl

Technical Abstract :

The objective of the two-year research plan is todetermine the

contributions of solid phase interactions, occurring in antimony oxide/

organohalogen/thermoplastic, polymer substrate compositions, to the

overall system chemistry during combustion. Of particular interest is

the role of the polymer substrate in the generation of volatile antimony

and halogen containing species. Small scale degradation data are to be

integrated with the results from a series of laboratory scale flaming

combustion experiments conducted at the Center for Fire Research of the

National Bureau of Standards. The flaming combustion and degradation

data are to be used in an attempt to develop a comprehensive model for

the chemistry which occurs in the condensed phase, under both flaming

and non-flaming degradation conditions. This model is to be used in the

identification of the controlling parameters for optimizing the

efficiency of organohalogen/antimony oxide flame retardant combinations

in specific polymer substrates.

The research plan is divided into two concurrent pathways. The

first pathway consists of small scale degradation studies to be

conducted throughout the two-year lifetime of the project. These

degradation studies are designed to characterize the thermally initiated

ternary reactions, which could affect halogen and antimony release

in the condensed phase, occuring in mixtures of polymer substrate/

organobromine additive/antimony oxide. These data will then be

correlated with the previous results obtained in studies of the

reactions involving the individual components and binary mixtures. From

these two data sets, the changes in the rates of antimony and/or bromine

55
volatilization, the temperature profiles for antimony and bromine

release, and the relative concentrations for the various volatilized

bromine and antimony species will be used to define the role of the

polymer substrate structure in the halogen and antimony loss from the

solid phase. Three polymer substrates are to be studied: polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate

(PET). Three organo bromine compounds will be used as model organohalogen additives: hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), tetrabromobisphenolA (TBBPA) and decabromodi phenyl oxide (DBDPO). The study of mixtures

of each of the above with antimony trioxide or antimony pentoxide con- sists of a sequence of experiments including but not limited to, dynamic

(at three different heating rates) and isothermal (at two different

temperatures) decomposition studies in three different atmospheres:

pyrolytic (nitrogen), catalytic ( 1 % oxygen) and ambient ( 21 % oxygen).

The second pathway in the research plan includes a series of

laboratory scale flaming combustion experiments to be conducted at the

Center for Fire Research at the National Bureau of Standards during the

first project year. In these experiments, the effects on combustion

parameters such as sample thickness and geometry, as well as polymer

substrate additive concentrations, are to be studied. The apparatus to

be used for these flaming combustion experiments is the cone calorimeter

developed by Parker, Babrauskas, and Swanson. Several combustion parameters are to be measured for each sample including time to ignition,

rate of flame spread, rate of heat release, mass consumption rate, and

the gravimetric smoke yield. Three intrinsic sample parameters are to

be varied: polymer type, flame retardant additive, and antimony

oxidation state.

Because the flaming combustion experiments were to be completed

during the first project year, the results obtained from them were to be

used in the later small scale degradation studies. Particular emphasis

was to be placed on determining the environmental, flow conditions, and

sample sizes to be used in the subsequent small-scale degradation

experiments so as to maximize utility of the information obtained from

them. Using analytical techniques developed since our previous work*

binary mixtures of PP/DBDPO, PP/Sb203 and DBDP0/Sb203 have been studied.

In addition, the ternary mixture PP/DBDP0/Sb203 has also been studied

with these revised analytical procedures. The bromide ion distribution

between the thermal analyzer sample pan, furnace tube, and the off gas

bromide ion trap and the corresponding antimony distributions have been

measured. In addition, kinetic analysis of the thermogravimetric data

for these decomposition experiments has been initiated.

These data and results form the basis for a masters thesis to be

completed in August 1981 . Since the evaluation of these data has not

been completed at this time, it is possible to draw only general

conclusions. These data do, however, appear to demonstrate the

importance of the ternary reactions in the volatilization of an antimony

containing species from the ternary mixture of PP/DBDP0/Sb203

.

56
In all of the DBDPO binary mixture data no evidence has been

found of significant interaction between antimony oxide and organobromine additives which would account for the formation of a volatile

antimony species. In every case, the kinetic analysis and product distribution data lead to the conclusion that little direct interaction

occurs between the organobromine and antimony oxide. On the other hand,

when all three reactants are present at the same time, the kinetics

of the volatilization processes and the distribution of the degradation

products change measurably.

Because of experimental difficulties which have been experienced,

only a limited number of samples have been burned in the cone calorimeter. These include PMMA, PP and PP loaded with 10% DBDPO and 5%

Sb 203 . The data available for these samples consist of the melt

temperatures of the samples, the flame temperatures above the surface

of the samples, the mass burning rates, the relative smoke

concentrations, the oxygen consumptions, and carbon dioxide and carbon

monoxide formation. In addition to these numerical data, there were

also visual /pbservations made of the burning behaviors and an assessment made of the relative difficulty of, or' relative times to,

ignition for the different materials.

In comparing the burning behavior of the PP and PMMA, the

following observations have been made. Tine PP burned with a significantly more luminescent flame than the PMMA in the cone calorimeter. This is substantiated by the increase in smoke observed

on going from PMMA to PP. The mass burning rate of PMMA is

approximately 50% greater than that observed for PP. In addition, the

PMMA melt temperatures and flame temperatures are approximately 100°C

lower than those observed for PP. Perhaps the most significant

observation in comparing the burning behavior of PP to PMMA in the cone calorimeter is that, while neither polymer produces a significant

quantity of carbon monoxide (less than .01%), and as expected, the

oxygen depletion observed for PP is greater than that observed for PMMA;

the carbon dioxide production is approximately 15% lower for PP than

PMMA in this burning environment. These data imply that for PP, a significantly greater fraction of polymer is used to produce oxygenated

combustion products other than carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide

relative to PMMA.

As expected, the PP sample containing DBDPO and Sb 203 burned with

a much more luminescent flame and generated a considerably greater

quantity of smoke than PP alone. Quite unexpectedly, the melt and

flame temperatures for both samples were almost identical. The mass burning rate also was apparently unaffected by the presence of 15%

DBDP0/Sb 203 . In addition, a significant amount of carbon monoxide was produced (.063 - .07% during the steady state burning). However, this

increase in carbon monoxide was not sufficient to account for the

observed oxygen depletion. This observation was similar to that which

was observed for PP alone. Again this indicates the formation of

significant oxygenated combustion products which are not carbon monoxide

or carbon dioxide. In addition, even though the mass burning rate was

57
unaffected, the oxygen depletion for the flame retardant sample was significantly lower than the oxygen depletion observed for PP alone, as was the exhaust stack thermocouple temperature.

While these results obtained on the cone calorimeter so far are extremely interesting, because such a limited amount of data is

available, it is difficult to draw any conclusions regarding some of

the observations that have been made. It appears more promising than

ever, however, that when combined with the thermal analysis results

these data will lead to a significant increase in the understanding of

the effects of antimony/halogen systems on the combustion performance

of polymer substrates.

The results of this systematic investigation are intended to make

available new basic information in several important areas: formation

of volatile antimony species from reactions of antimony oxides with

organo halogens that cannot by themselves eliminate hydrogen halide;

the effect of the polymer substrate on the reactions which produce

volatile antimony halides and oxyhalides; and the first systematic

study on the controlled combustion of thermoplastic materials containing organohalogen/antimony oxide flame retardants. The systems

description which this research program seeks to develop should make it

possible to model more accurately combustion performance of these

materials in fire situations and lead to a greater understanding of the

thermal characteristics necessary for the more efficient flame

retardation of thermoplastic material.

Reports and Papers :

Drews, M. J., Jarvis, C. W., Leibner, E. A., "Organobromine/Antimony

Oxide/Polymer Substrate Interactions in the Solid Phase. Part I. Binary Interactions," Organic Coatings and Plastics Preprints, 181

(1980).

Hansel, J. D., "Solid Phase Interactions Among Antimony Oxides,

Decabromodi phenyl Oxide and Polypropylene Under Pyrolytic Conditions,"

Masters Thesis, August 1981.

58
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution ; Colorado School of Mines

Grant No. : NB81NADA2020

Grant Title ; Characterization of Aerosols from Fires

Principal Investigator ; Professor Kent J. Voorhees

Department of Chemistry and Geochemistry

Colorado School of Mines

Golden, CO 80401

Other Professional Personnel ; Dr. R. Tsau, Post-Doctoral Associate

Mr, S.A. Durfee, Ph.D. Candidate

NBS Scientific Officer: Ms. Maya Paabo

Technical Abstract

The work on this project began May 1, 1981. The following is a short description of the proposed work.

Aerosols produced from the thermal degradation of poljaners are primarily composed of lower molecular weight fragments of the original polymer. Based on our previous work on atmospheric particles, it is proposed to use Pyrolysis/Mass Spectrometry (Py-MS) to generate patterns

from the aerosols which are characteristic of the initial polymer structure. Initially single polymers will be degraded in the Potts furnace;

however, after the uniqueness and reproducibility of patterns plus variability from changes in the degradation scheme are established, aerosols from composite samples will be studied. By using the Py-MS data

from the single samples as reference spectra, the composition of the

composite sample can be determined by pattern recognition techniques.

During the first year 20 polymer samples plus 3 wood samples will

be investigated in both flaming and non-flaming modes. The composite

samples will be selected from these specimens. At the end of year one,

aerosols will be generated, using the previous sample suite, in a large

scale facility. The same sample collection, analysis and data work-up

developed during the Potts experiments will be used on these aerosols.

A study to Investigate the effects of an accelerant on the composition of the aerosol will also be conducted during the first year. This

study will involve understanding the composition of the aerosol produced

from the accelerant as well as its effect when decomposed with a polymer, on the composition of the resulting aerosol, Py-MS and GC/MS will

be used in this phase of the study.

Successful completion of these studies should provide the following

deliverables

;

1. An understanding of the effects of varied thermal decomposition on the high molecular weight portion of aerosols from polymers.

59
2. An analytical technique for assessing the fuels involved in

fires.

3. A better method for assessing the presence of an accelerant in

a fire situation.

60
CENTER FOR FI FT] RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution : Factory Mutual Research Corporation

Grant No. ; NB81NADA2007

Grant Title ; Computer Modeling of Aircraft Cabin Fire Phenomena

Principal Investigator : Dr. R. L. Alpert

Factory Mutual Research Corporation

Basic Research Department

1151 Boston-Providence Turnpike

Norwood, Massachusetts 02062

Other Professional Personnel ; Dr. M. A. Delichatslos

Ms. M. K. Mathews

NBS Scientific Officer : Dr. Kenneth D. Steckler

Technical Abstract

The objective of this project is to develop the elements of a computer code required to predict flame spread and fire growth inside

an airplane fuselage that is being heated by an outside exposure fire

through an open side door. Integral models for burning and flame

spread on flammable walls and ceilings will be developed in order to

minimize computation time. These models, coupled with radiation calculations from the exposure fire and the walls involved in burning,

will provide the necessary ingredients for predicting the fire growth

in an airplane fuselage.

1. Turbulent Wall Convective Flows.

A two-layer integral model has been developed for the prediction

of convective flows (including burning wall conditions) on a vertical

wall. The turbulent wall flow is divided into three regimes: 1) a laminar flow regime close to the wall; 2) a turbulent wall flow next

to the laminar flow regime; and 3) an outer, free-turbulent flow. In

similarity to Von Karman’s logarithmic wall law, universal wall law

profiles for the flow properties are proposed for the turbulent wall

flow. These profiles depend on the boundary conditions at the wall.

Simple integral relations are written for the outer free-turbulent

flow with the inner flow conditions taken into account by appropriate

matching at the limits of each flow regime. The model has been

applied to a convective flow over an adiabatic wall induced by a line source of constant bucyancy flux attached to the wall. The present

approach allows the calculation of turbulent wall convective flows

without the need for assuming similarity profiles for the properties

throughout the wall flow.

61
2 . Flame Spread Correlations

Based on a simple similarity assumption for the flame spread, we have developed an expression for the flame spread velocity in the

presence of an outside applied heat flux (for example from a pool

fire)

:

t(x ,t) dx x_ _E ^ = C to (-^)

X dt X

P P

( 1 )

In equation (1)

Xp is the location of the pyrolysis front from the bottom edge

of the wall

x^ is the location of the flame tip from the bottom edge of the

wall

T (x ,t) is a characteristic ignition time of the wall defined

^ later

t is the time from ignition

C is a constant.

The ignition time, T, can be determined from the following

relation

:

where

and

T(Xp,t) = ^f (2)

Tf(Xp) = k

w

2 aw

<Tp- (3)

~ _ t

^ T (4)

O

k

_ w

o 2 Otw

(5)

In equations (3) and (5)

is the conductivity of the wall

is the thermal diffuslvity of the wall

q'j is the heat flux to the unburned wall from the flames

q” is the outside applied heat flux

oTp is the pyrolysis temperature of the wall material

T is the ambient temperature.

It is obvious that in order to use equation (1) , the wall properties as well as the flame properties (flame height and radiation

properties) for turbulent conditions in the presence of an outside

heat flux must be known. A test method (in a separate program) is

being designed at Factory Mutual Research Corporation to obtain this

information.

62
For the flame height (h^) ratio to the pyrolysis height (hp), we have proposed a relation based on dimensional arguments and the

assumption that the flame height in free buoyant flows is independent

of the chemistry. The latter assumption is based on calculations in

turbulent buoyant jet f lames 1, which indicate that the flame height

is independent of the stochlometric ratio of the fuel. This result

is obtained by observing that the ratio of the heat of combustion of

the fuel to the stochlometric ratio is approximately constant

,

i.e. independent of the type of fuel. The proposed expression for the

flame height is:

In

g X, = fen [- (Q/p C T w) ^ OO p

oo m'7p.

(gQ/wp vt>X' r-QQ C T ) p

qq/

2/3 ’ (gQ/wp C T ) 1/3'

( 6 ) equation (6)

:

g is the gravitational constant w is the width of the wall

Q is the total heat release rate = m" • H • x • w

r c p m” is the average burning of the wall

Vqo is the viscosity of the air

PoqC T^ are properties of the air at ambient conditions.

Reports and Papers

1. Dellchatsios , M.A. , ''Flame Height and Virtual Source in Turbulent

Diffusion Flames" Presented at the Eastern Section Meeting of the

Combustion Institute, Princeton, New Jersey, 1980.

63
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution ; Factory Mutual Research Corporation

Grant No

.

; NBT9NADA001U

Grant Title : Determination of Fuel Parameters for Fire Modeling

Principal Investigator ; Dr. Archibald Tewarson

Applied Research Department

Factory Mutual Research Corporation

1151 Boston-Providence Turnpike

Norwood, Massachusetts 02062

Other Professional Personnel ; Mr. J.S. Newman, Senior Research Scientist

Mr. M.M. Khan, Research Scientist

Mr. R.F. Pion, Assoc. Research Scientist

NBS Scientific Officer ; Dr. David D. Evans

Technical Abstract ;

The objective of the study is to obtain fuel properties in a generalized

fashion for fire modeling, for fire hazard evaluations of materials (FR

treated and \intreated) , for basic uinder standing of fires, and for reliable fire testing of materials. Data have been obtained for the following physico-chemical and combustion/pyrolysis properties for overventilated fire conditions [l]; chemical formulae, stoichiometric air-tofuel ratio, net heat of complete combustion, heat required to generate a unit mass of vapors, surface reradiation loss, surface temperature, com- bustion efficiency including its convective and radiative components,

product yields, light obscuration parameter, flame convective and radiative heat flux to the surface, Spalding's B-number modified for radiation and for combustion efficiency, normalized flame heights, ratio of

COp concentration to gas temperature above ambient (for fire detection),

ratio of optical density per unit path length to gas temperature above

ambient (for fire detection), and energy required to generate combustible

vapor-air mixture near the surface. ( 1-7)

.

The dependency of the fuel properties on fire environment and fire size

has also been investigated using three apparatus, shown in Figure 1 [j],

identified as FM small-, intermediate- and large-scale combustibility apparatus (fuel surface areas, -0.007, ~0.07, and ~7 respectively).

The continuation of the study involves measurements of the properties

;

1 ) for under-ventilated fire conditions; 2) in the presence of water

sprays; 3) in the presence of air contaminated by fire products, especially COp and 4) for changing fire sizes. In addition, the reliability

of the apparatus would be tested for possible use of the apparatus as a

64
"standard" small-scale fire test apparatus. ( Char-foming fuels are em- phasized. )

The following are some examples of the data for the fuel properties.

1.

Energy Required to Generate Combustihle Vapor-air Mixture Near The

Surface [l]

Fuel

Red oak (solid)

Chlorinated polyethylene (granular)

PVC (granular)

Flexible polyurethane foams (lA, GM-21)

Rigid polyurethane foams (GM 29 and 31

)

Polystyrene foams (GM U9,51j and 53)

Energy

(kJ/m^)

1+20

920 to 9T0

1600

6T0 to 730

830 to 870

1500 to 1700

The lower the energy, the easier the ignition and the faster is the ex- pected flame spread. Materials with higher energy are thus preferred

for reduction of fire hazard.

2.

Mass Transfer Number and Normalized Flame Heights [l]

Figure 2 shows the data. The mass fraction of oxygen is increased for

flame radiation scaling. The higher the values of mass transfer number

and flame height, the higher is the expected fire hazard. Thus, materials with lower values are preferred for reduction of fire hazard.

3.

Combustion Efficiency [l]

Fuel

Polymethylmethacrylate (granular)

Flexible polyurethane foam (GM-21)

Red oak (solid)

Polystyrene ( granular

)

Rigid polyurethane foam (GM-37)

Rigid polystyrene foam (GM-51)

PVC (granular)

Combustion Efficiency

Over-ventilated Slightly

Under-vent ilat ed

0.97 0.85

0.8l 0.61

0.70 - 0.67 - 0.6U - 0.53 - 0.35 —

Materials with lower combustion efficiency, heat of complete combustion

and the mass transfer number are preferred because the heat release rates

for such materials are lower in fires ,( 1,2).

65
U.l Product Yield Expressed as Product Generation Efficiency

(CO and ''Smoke*') ul

Fuel Product Generation Efficiency

CO "Smoke”

Over- Under- Over- UnderVentilated Ventilated Ventilated Ventilated

Red oak (solid) 0.003 - 0.03 - PVC (granular) 0.038 - 0.22 - Flexible polyurethane 0.016 0.024 0.03 0.37

foam (GM-23)

Rigid polyurethane foam 0.023 0.048 0.10 0.23

(GM-29)

Polystyrene ( granvilar

)

0.021 - 0.20 - Rigid polystyrene foam 0.009 0.024 0.36 -

(GM-i+T)

Materials with lower values for yields of CO, "smoke" or other toxic

products and mass transfer niomber are preferred because the generation

rates of "smoke" and toxic products from such materials are lower.

4.2 Average Soot Fraction in "Smoke" [1]

Fuel Soot fraction in

"smoke"

Rigid polystyrene foam. (gm-4t) 0.98

Rigid polyurethane foam (GM-29) 0.92

PVC (granular) 0.79

Polystyrene ( graniilar

)

0.75

Red oak (solid) 0.55

Flexible polyurethane foam (GM-23) 0.45

Polymethylmethac ry1at

e

: ( granular

)

0.17

5. Fuel Properties and Fire Size

1. Asymptotic value of mass loss rate in pool fires [ 7 ]

Fuel Pool Mass Loss Rate (g/m^s) , Area Measured By Radiation Scaling

(m^)

Methanol 2.37 19.5 20

Polymethylmethacrylat e 2.37 29.6 28

Polystyrene 0.93 33.5 38

Heptane 1.17 65.7 63

*^FM large-scale combustibility apparatus

FM small-scale combustibility apparatus; radiation scaling by increasing

the oxygen concentration in inlet air

66
2. Ratio of heat release rate and product generation rate to mass loss rate [T

]

Fuel Pool

Area rq r$i pco^ r*ooi Pg" ~\

HON

"•,!f '^Hydrocarbon

1 * (kj?g)

J

(^g)

1 • ti 1 (m^)

Lnu J

(kJ^g) (g/g)

L mi J

(g/g) {^g)

Methanol 1+.68 18.7 15.6 1.29 <0.001 - < 0.001

2.32 18.8 15.7 1.30 <0.001 - < 0.001

PolymethylO.OOT 19.^ 17.1 1.32 <0.001 < 0.001

methacrylate 2.37 2h.2 15.8 2.11 0.008 - < 0.001

0.073 23.8 1U.9 2.10 0.010 - < 0.001

0.007 2h.k 17.9 2.15 0.011 - < 0.001

Heptane 0.93 hi. 2 26.8 2.83 0.015 - 0.001

0.007 37.7 19.9 2.80 0.03U - 0.010

Rigid poly- ~7 l6.h 10.8 1.50 0.027 0.010 0.005

\ar ethane

foam

0.007 15.8 6.5 1.51 0.036 0.012 0.003

Q ~ hsat reloaso rats 5 ar actuaX, ct convsctivs j 6*' = Ksneration rate of

product; m*' = mass loss rate

D Establishment of agreement between data from small- and larger-scale

fires is important, because l) data measured in the small-scale apparatus can be used with confidence for fire modeling of large-scale fires

to assess the fire hazard and evaluate means to reduce it; and 2) such

agreement is required for the reliable assessment of fire hazard of materials in small-scale tests, as well as for "standardizing" the tests.

6. Basic Understanding of Fires

All the data are being examined in order to establish the relationship

between fuel properties and fire and flame extinction. For example, the

ratio of heat of complete combustion to heat of gasification or the

ratio of stoichiometric yield of individual products to heat of gasification are properties independent of fire size and conditions, but depend

on the chemical structure of materials and their treatment. On the other

hand, properties such as combustion efficiency, individual product generation efficiencies, radiation, etc. depend not only on the materials

but also on fire conditions. A knowledge of the dependency of the fuel

properties on various conditions is useful for the improvement of materials in order to reduce the fire hazard.

67
ToCiheytt

A B

• CtiSting

,^P0llu<'0'^ Control Duel

Dig = I 96 m

c

FIGURE 1

FM COMBUSTIBILITY APPARATUS - A, SMALL; B , INTERMEDIATE ; C, LARGE

68
WallWok*

FIGURE 2 FLAME HEIGHT UNDER FORCED AIR FLOW(x wall wake) AND

MASS TRANSFER NUMBER (B) AS FUNCTIONS^OF OXYGEN

MASS FRACTION,.mo2, IN THE INLET AIR

69
Reports and Papers

1. Tevarson, A., "Physico-Chemical and Comhustion/Pyrolysis Properties

of Polymeric Materials," Factory Mutual Research Corporation, Norwood,

Massachusetts, Technical Report J.I. 0E0N6.RC, RC80-T-79» November I98O.

2. Tevarson, A., Lee, J.L. , and Pion, R.F., "The Influence of Oxygen

Concentration on Fuel Parameters for Fire Modeling," l8th Symposium

(international) on Combustion, The Combustion Institute, Pittsburgh, Pa.

(in press).

3. Tevarson, A., "Heat Release Rate in Fire," J. Fire & Materials U,

185, 1980.

U. Tevarson, A., "The Factory Mutual Combustibility Apparatus for

Reliable Fire Testing of Materials on a Small-Scale," Modern Plastics , p. 58, November 198O.

5. Tevarson, A., Lee, J.L., and Pion, R.F. , "Fuel Parameters for Fire

Modeling and Fire Hazard Evaluations," I98O International SPI/FSK

Polyurethane Conference , Strasbourg, France, June I98O.

6. Lee, J.L., Tevarson, A., Pion, R.F., "Indexing Method for Cable

Classification Using FM Laboratory-Scale Combustibility Apparatus,"

29th International Wire & Cable Symposi\jm , Cherry Hill, N.J.,

November I98O.

T. Tevarson, A., "Combustibility Evaluations-Part I - The FM Small-,

Intermediate-, and Large-Scale Combustibility Apparatus and Data

Compilation (No. IATEU.RC); Part II - Heat Release Rate in Fires - Oxygen

Depletion and Carbon-Dioxide Generation Techniques (No. IATEU.RC);

Part III - Quantitative Correlations of Fire Test Data from the Three

FM Combustibility Apparatus and Simplified Test Procedures,"

(No. 0F0E3 .RC), Factory Mutual Research Corporation, Norwood,

Massachusetts, Technical Reports (to be issued).

70
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution ; Harvard University

Grant No. ; NB81NADA2026

Grant Title : "Computer Modeling of Aircraft Cabin Fire Phenomena"

Principal Investigator : Professor Howard W. Emmons

Gordon McKay Professor of

Mechanical Engineering

Abbott and James Lawrence

Professor of Engineering

Pierce Hall

Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138

Other Professional Personnel ; Henri E. Mitler, Ph.D.

NBS Scientific Officer : Dr. Leonard Cooper

Technical Abstract

When a fire occurs in an aircraft cabin, the flames and hot air

plume rise toward the celling, strike the ceiling, and spread out in

all directions as a layer of hot smoky gas. This growing hot layer is soon confined on two sides by the cabin walls, and then spreads longitudinally along the cabin ceiling.

This ceiling layer is heated by the burning of excess fuel which it

contains, and is cooled by convective and radiative heat transfer to the

ceiling above and by radiation to the floor below. The flow may contain

large-scale turbulent eddies. The chemical composition is complex, and

the hot layer movement is sometimes obstructed by class separation partitions and service areas.

The goal of the present project is to develop a computer code which

could be used to mathematically simulate the above mentioned phenomena

which develop during the growth of fires in aircraft cabins. The work

is in its initial stage of progress.

71
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution : Harvard University and Factory Mutual Research Corporation

Grant No

.

: NBS Grant 7-9011

Grant Title : The Home Fire Project

Principal Investigators ; Professor Howard W. Emmons

Division of Applied Sciences

Harvard University

Pierce Hall

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138

Dr. Raymond Friedman

Factory Mutual Research Corporation

1151 Boston-Providence Turnpike

Norwood, Massachusetts 02062

Other Professional Personnel ; Dr. Henri E. Mitler, H.U.

Mr. Richard I. Land, H.U.

John Ramsdell, Ph.D. Candidate, H.U.

Arvind Atreya, Ph.D. Candidate, H.U.

Seng-Chuan Tan, Ph.D. Candidate, H.U.

Dr. John de Ris, FMRC

Dr. Michael Delichatsios , FMRC

Dr. George Markstein, FMRC

Dr. Lawrence Orloff , FMRC

NBS Scientific Officer: Dr. John Rockett

Technical Abstract

The ultimate purpose of this project is to improve the fire safety

of our built environment, homes and work buildings, by using scientific

principles to compute the growth of a fire in a high-rise building.

The tasks are of two types: 1. The construction of a sufficiently

general, sufficiently numerically robust program to compute the fire

growth from an arbitrary ignition in an arbitrary building (Task 2) ; To

develop some of the missing pieces of the science of fire as required

for the developing computer program (Tasks 1, 3, 4, 5). The various

tasks are being carried out jointly at Harvard (Tasks 2, 5) and at FMRC

(Tasks 1, 3, 4) . The progress on these five tasks is reviewed below.

Task 1 : Vitiation and Entrainment in Pool Fires

Task Leader : Dr. Michael A. Delichatsios FMRC

(Former task leader F. Tamanini)

72
Technical Abstract

The objective of the present task is to measure the influence of

vitiation on turbulent flames and provide experimental results and theoretical models for calculating the pliame properties when the flames

are immersed and quenched by a hot layer of ceiling gases.

The 1.2-m diameter enclosure^ constructed for this task, including

a flame-quenching heat exchanger, was put in operation near the end of

1980. The test apparatus has been employed to measure radiation and

rate of burning of propane diffusion flames produced by a 12.7 mm

diameter nozzle as a function of height. Two propane flow rates were

investigated, corresponding to theoretical heat release rates of 16 kW

and 31 kW. The results^ are presented in a dimensionless fonn in Figs.

1 , 2 , 3 and 4

.

In these figures the prefix A indicates the value of a property

integrated from the exit of the nozzle to the corresponding height.

The normalized length 5 is the distance at which half of the fuel

has been burned. Although only two flow rates were tested in a specific

geometry, the tentative conclusions from these figures are:

1. The rate of burning, the radiation per unit height and the

species concentrations (yields) are self similar.

2. The radiative fraction of the burning rate expressed in terms

of the integrated properties over the distance from the exit of the

nozzle increases with height.

These conclusions are encouraging because they support turbulence

models^ for the flaming region of a diffusion flame which all are based on a similarity-type assumption for the turbulent flow. The

second conclusion is difficult to explain. Before any explanation is

proposed, the error introduced by the presence of the catcher-quencher

will be evaluated. Notice that the error increases for measurements

taken close to the exit of the nozzle.

Similar measurements have been taken for a 38-cm diameter propane

burner. The propane flow rates were the same as the flow rates produced

by the 12.7 mm nozzle. In this case, fifty percent of the heat release

occurs within 6 cm of the burner surface. To further investigate the

effects of the pool size, a 17-cm propane burner has been built and a theoretical model is being developed.

Three different integral models^ for a turbulent diffusion

flame were developed last year. In all these models, an important

parameter was the entrainment of combusting air by the diffusion flame.

Since there is not a theoretical or experimental investigation on the

value of the entrainment coefficient vs. height in turbulent diffusion

flames, the objective of this task has been extended to include experiments on the combustion air entrainment.

73
Technical Reports and Papers

1. Tamanini, F., "A New Experimental Technique for Measuring the

Burning Rate and Product Yield in Fire Pliimes , " Eastern Section

Meeting, The Combustion Institute, 1980, Princeton, N.J.

2. Tamanini, F., "Height Dependence of Burning Rate and Product Yield

in Fire Plumes," paper presented at First Specialist Meeting of

the Combustion Institute, Bordeaux (France), July 20-25, 1981.

3. Tamanini, F., "An Integral Model of Turbulent Fire Plumes," Eighteenth Symposium (International) on Combustion, Waterloo, 1980,

4. de Ris, J. , "A Stochastic Combustion Model for Fire Plumes," Journal of Fire Safety Vol . 3 No. 4, March 1981, pp. 287-297.

5. Delichatsios , M.A. , "Flame Height and Virtual Source in Turbulent

Diffusion Flames," Eastern Section Meeting, The Combustion Institute, 1980, Princeton, N.J.

•$ 1.0

* .8 K

S

5* • iP «

kJ5

FmI Propana

Air: 20.9% 02 Aq

%o •

•o o A

'

ft dm

Symbalt

[hw] W

Opan 30.8 36

Solid 16.9 .41

*

4a A.A

"0 .5 T.O 1.9 NormoMnd Haight abava lha Burntr, 1 / 2 L 5

Figure 1. Normalized energy release rate and CO-yleld

plotted as a function of normalized height

above the burner.

74
Figure 2. Rates of production of H

2 ^ COfC02 and rate of C3Hg depletion divided by the stoichiometric equivalent based on the rate

of C>2 depletion (see legend In Figure 2).

C

•€F

M

I

0t

OL1

•Dns

0

e1

Fual> Propona 4hi L.6 Air I 20.9% Og

Symbol a ["«] H

.» ••

0

• • O 30.8 .56

O

• •• • 16.5 .41

-•1

0 .5 1.0 I. Normollitd Halghi obova lh« Burnar, i/2L.s

Figure 3. Normalized Slit Radiation as a function of height In the flame.

.3S

.30 •V

<

\20

*«

S IS 01^ .10 ot 05 c

0

1 r 1 -i,-- y r T- 1 —1 1 1 “I

Fual : Propona

Air I 20.9% Oz • •

a

o« i

0 O O 1 •

•o 4.a •-.a • o Symbola ['•] R s O 30.8 .56 •o • 16.5 .41

•

* * * ^ » 0 .5 1.0 1.5

Normalliad Haight obosa lha Burnar. i/ZL.s

Figure 4. Variation of Integrated radiant fraction,

x^, with height In the flame.

75
Task 2a: The Prediction of a Fire

Task Leaders i Dr. Henri E. Mi tier, Prof. Howard W. Emmons H.U.

Technical Abstract

The fifth version of the Harvard Computer Fire Code has been com- pleted. This version (Mark V or CFC V) of the mathematical model permits

the computation of the development of a fire in a vented enclosure. The

fire can be one of three kinds: a growing fire (ignited at a point), a pool fire, or a burner fire. The room may have up to five vents. Mass

flows through the vents are calculated; species concentrations (CO,

CO2 , H 2 O, O2 , soot) are found for the hot layer, as well as its depth,

temperature, and absorptivity. The surface temperatures of up to four

objects (besides the original one) can be found, and they may ignite

either by piloted (or auto-) ignition, or by contact with a (growing)

flame. The calculation can be carried forward as far as desired; for

a limited fuel mass, this means through flameover, burnout, and cooldown. No provision is yet made for the burning of walls or ceiling

(hence no collapse)

.

Some of the detailed improvements for this version are: the particle concentration and water vapor concentration in the layer are now calculated; hence a subroutine due to A. Modak can be used (as an option)

to find absorptivity of the layer. The difference in the results

between using this and the simpler (default) option for the absorptivity

is very small. The flame-flame interactions have been included,

although they are small. The view factors of flames, walls, and ceiling

have been recalculated explicitly, and other improvements in radiation

siibroutines also made. Ignition by contact with a flame is new, as is

the burner fire. Reradiation from a burning surface as well as its

convective heating, are now included. The alteration in flame shape

which occurs during the fire is now included. (The flame gets smaller

as the fuel burns out.) Flame parameters have been changed to agree

with Orloff's data.

The input has been made more flexible and forgiving; the output

format has been made more flexible. The fire-spread parameter A and

the initial time increment At can now be input at run-time.

The tape of CFC V has been sent to NBS, and is available for wide

distribution. The documentation is 80% finished as of this writing,

and (hopefully) will be available by this summer.

Plans are in preparation for the next increment of improvement

which will result in the development of CFC VI. The equations required

to compute the growth of fire in a multiroom high-rise structure are being assembled. A report "Computer Fire Code VI-Plus" is in preparation and will discuss the present understanding of what is involved in

the general building fire problem.

76
Reports and Papers

1. Mitler, H.E., "Computer Fire Code V," Program Tape, Harvard University, 1981.

2. Mitler, H.E. and Emmons, H.W., "The Fifth Harvard Computer Fire

Code," Technical Report # 45, The Home Fire Project, Harvard Univ.

,

1980 (in preparation)

.

Task 2b : A Computer Fire Code - General Study

Task Leader : John Ramsdell

Technical Abstract

We want to restructure the fire program with three goals in mind:

1. To improve transportability;

2. To reduce the difficulty of modifying the program; and

3. To reduce the nvimerical work required to find a solution at

each time step.. .

We plan to improve transportability by using a standardized programming language. We intend to use FORTRAN 72 now, and consider ADA

when it is available. A modular design of the line code has been done,

using standard practices of software engineering, and it has yielded a program that is easier to modify. The efficiency of the numerics can

be improved by eliminating variables. An algorithm for finding a good

way of eliminating variables has been designed and coded [1] . We plan

to test this code with new variable elimination problems

.

Progress: We have written a fire code which implements all of the

above ideas for a reduced set of physics [2]

.

The next task is to

implement the above ideas for the physics of Fire Code V. During the

process of creating this new fire code, we intend to document the entire

procedure

.

Reports and Papers

1. Ramsdell, J.D., "Finding Minimal Feedback Vertex Sets," Home Fire

Project Technical Report No. 47, April 1981.

2. Ramsdell, J.D., "Variable Elimination in the Home Fire Code," to

be published in the Conference proceedings of the Heat Transfer.

Conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August 1981.

Task 3 : Chemical Modeling of Pool Fires

Task Leader: L. Orloff FMRC

77
Technical Abstract

This task is part of a concerted effort to predict the burning

behavior of large pool fires using measured flame property data obtained

from small pool fires. The present study emphasizes the development of

simplified scaling relationships based on measurement techniques that are convenient and easily introduced to outside laboratories. The motivation for this and related tasks is to provide fire protection engineers

with practical techniques for evaluating the potential fire hazard of a wide variety of fuels.

A simplified (homogeneous) radiation model was previously applied

to 381 mm diameter PMMA pool fires. When applied to those fires the

model offers the convenience of simple analytic expressions for radiant

transfer to the fuel surface and to remote target locations. The

simplified model requires average flame property values; temperature,

Tf and absorption coefficient, kf and a flame size parameter, the

mean beam length.

This model has been further simplified in the current task and

applied to typical sooty (propene) and moderately "clean" (methane)

fires. The experimental design includes two sintered bronze burners

(381 mm and 762 mm diameter) to evaluate scale effects and adjustable

lip sizes to study lip effects. In the current model T^ and Q'" , the

theoretical chemical heat release rate per unit volume is assumed con- stant and both and are derived from measurements that can be

obtained with a simple "slit radiometer." This is a wide angle radiometer viewing the flames through a horizontal slit, which measures the

radiant power per unit height as a function of flame height.

Figure 1 shows a fairly well-correlated linear increase in Lm/R

(R is the pool radius) with Q, the theoretical chemical heat release

rate, for the combined 381 mm pool methane and propene data. Calculated

absorption coefficients vary about 20 % across the range of burning rates

and lip sizes for the respective fuels.

Investigations of 730 mm PMMA pool fires in related tasks show a marked temperature drop and local absorption coefficient increase near

the fuel surface. This effect is associated with high concentrations

of pyrolysis gases. Radiation blocking by pyrolysis gases can strongly

affect burning rates for large ( > 1 m) pool fires. Measurements of

time-average local molecular species concentrations in turbulent pool

fires are being made to develop scaling relationships accounting for

radiation blockage effects.

A prototype improved gas sampling probe was constructed for those

measurements. The probe design considers requirements for constant mass sampling rate and isokinetic sampling, quenching and transient response.

A premixed O2 -C 3H3 burner providing a well-defined axisymmetric plume

has been constructed to test this probe under conditions where the plume

species concentration should be exactly correlated with plume temperature.

78
Current efforts are directed toward obtaining spatial distributions

of local temperature and time-averaged molecular species concentration

parametric in pool diameter, lip size and actual combustion heat

release for two different fuels (CH4 and C 3 H5

) . The data will be analyzed to determine whether it correlates with soot and local absorptionemission coefficients obtained from the Task 4 study. Correlations of

the mixture-fraction variable with respect to pool scale and lip size

will also be sought.

Technical Reports and Papers

1. Orloff, L., "Simplified Radiation Modeling of Pool Fires," Eighteenth Symposium (International) on Combustion (in press)

.

2. Modak, A.T., "The Burning of Large Pool Fires," Journal of Fire

Safety Vol . 3, No. 3, February 1981, pp. 177-184.

1 1

\ VOLUMETRIC COMBUSTION HEAT1 1 B

'

RELEASE RATE 1300 KW/CU. M &' A

- V

-

- 'A -

n. A V

“ V

-

- -

_

LIP < MM ) CH4 C3H6 - B V A -

- 13 o -

1 1 1

38

1

0

1

0

1 1

-

10 29 30 40 50 60 70 60

HEAT RELEASE RATE ( KH >

Figure 1. Dimensionless mean-beam- length, L^/R, as a function of theoretical chemical heat release rate formethane and propene 381 ram pool

fires. 1^/K based on assumed Q"'= 1300 kW/m^ and T^= 1200 K.

Task 4 ; Radiation from Flames

Task Leader ; George H. Markstein FMRC

Technical Abstract

In many fires, energy transfer from the flame to the fuel and to

the surroundings occurs predominantly by thermal radiation. The main

objective of the present task is the development of techniques for meas- uring the pertinent radiative properties of fires, and to provide a quantitative basis for predicting the resulting radiative energy transfer. The rate of fire growth and the spread of fire to new fuel elements depends critically on this energy transfer, and its quantitative

assessment is thus essential for estimating fire losses and threat to

life safety. 79
Earlier work under this project had shown that for sufficiently

large fires, e.g., pool fires with diameters exceeding about 0.3 m, it

is essential to take nonuniform distribution of radiation sources within

the fire into account. In the present task, three instruments have been

developed recently for the measurement of nonuniformly distributed radiative properties of fires.

One of these, the scanning radiometer, has been described previously, and data obtained with this device have been reported. The

instrument is currently being used extensively in Task 3 for measurements on gaseous-fuel pool fires.

Another instrument, a water-cooled and nitrogen-purged fiber-optic

absorption probe that can be inserted into a fire to measure the local

absorption coefficient, has also been described earlier. Further work

with this probe is planned: new measurements on gaseous-fuel pool fires

will be compared with absorption data obtained by the indirect method

of Abel inversion of transmittance data.

Recent work has concentrated primarily on the development and use of the third instrument, a modification of the Schmidt method for measuring radiation temperatures and emissivities of fires. The conventional Schmidt method uses a furnace blackbody source of background

radiation, and is therefore slow and cumbersome, since the measurements

must be repeated at several settings of the source temperature. The

present "fast-Schmidt" instrument employs a tungsten-filament source with a sapphire window that permits rapid change of effective source temperature. Digital feedback control is used for matching the effective background temperature automatically to the flame radiation temperature. An analysis showed that the use of a nongray background source

in the Schmidt method requires the flame to be a gray emitter. Comparisons of results obtained with gaseous-fuel (C 2 Hg, C^Hq and C 3 H0 ) pool

fires by the conventional and the new method showed agreement of radiation temperatures within about ±2 percent and thus indicated that for

sufficiently luminous (sooty) flames the restriction to gray emission

is not a serious limitation.

The fast-Schmidt method has been used to obtain vertical traverses

along the flame axis, and horizontal traverses near the pool surface,

for 0.762 m-diameter propylene pool fires at several fuel flow rates.

The results showed that at the flame axis near the pool surface, the

radiation temperature decreases with increasing fuel flow rate. Near

the flame periphery, as well as at axial locations at heights above the

pool surface exceeding about 1/3 pool diameter, the trend is reversed.

The emissivity was found to increase with fuel flow rate everywhere

within the flame. The horizontal traverse near the pool surface also

showed a minimum of radiation temperature at the axis and maxima at

lateral distances of about 1/4 pool diameter, while the emissivity maximum occurred at the axis.

On the basis of the axial symmetry of the flame, the horizontal

traverses of radiation temperature and emissivity can be inverted

80
niimerically , to yield the more fundamental radial distributions of the

absorption coefficient and the volumetric radiant power.

It is planned to continue measurements with the fast-Schmidt method

on gaseous-fuel pool fires. This work, as well as the measurements with

the absorption probe, will be coordinated with the work under Task No.

3. A portion of the work will also be devoted to the development of a fast-response flame-ionization probe to measure local total hydrocarbon

concentration in flame gases. In combination with a fast-response thermocouple, this probe should permit the determination of the fluctuating

value of the conserved Shvab-Zeldovich variable in fires.

Technical Reports and Papers

1. Markstein, G.H., "Rapid Measurements of Fire Radiative Properties

with a Feedback-Controlled Tungsten Source of Background Radiation,"

Paper No. 20, Eastern Section, The Combustion Institute, Princeton,

N.J., November 1980.

2. Markstein, G.H., "Recent Advances in the Measurement of Radiant

Transfer from Fires," Paper 81-14 (Invited Review), Spring Meeting,

Western States Section, The Combustion Institute, Pullman, Washington, April 1981.

3. Markstein, G. H. , "New Methods for Radiation Measurements in Fire

Research." To be presented at the First Specialists Meeting of

the Combustion Institute, Bordeaux, France, July 1981.

Task 5a : Experimental and Theoretical Study of Horizontal Fire Spread on Wood

Task Leader : Arvind Atreya H.U.

Technical Abstract

In a room on fire, objects that are not involved are being heated

by direct radiation from the flames of the burning objects and by the

hot layer in the room. In the lab this situation is simulated by using

radiant heaters and by circulating oxygen depleted air. The present

study is limited to Fire spread on horizontal surfaces of wood under

various levels of external radiation and vitiation.

In contrast with commonly studied synthetic materials, wood is an- isotropic and inhomogeneous. This greatly affects the dynamics of fire

spread. There are four major differences:

1. It forms an insulating layer of char (to date there does not

exist experimental data and a theory for any charring material)

.

2. The rate of flame sppead was found to be related to the orientation of the grain. Combustible gases that are generated in the com- bustion zone are liberated ahead of the flame front allowing the flame

to spread faster in that direction.

81
3) Woods like pine that have a lot of resin content form spots

wetted with resin on the surface when heated. As the flame approaches

this resin pool it spreads on the liquid surface much faster than elsewhere .4) Sometimes woods like redwood have vastly different growth ring

patterns in the same sample, accounting for a very nonhomogeneous material. Flame speed is an order of magnitude lower when such a dense year

ring pattern is encountered. At times the flame has even extinguished.

Several experiments on fir, pine, redwood, red oak, maple and

mahogany have been done. The measurements include the following as a function of time: 1) Weight loss; 2) Fire radius; 3) Total energy

released (exhaust and radiant); 4) CO2

; 5) O2

; 6) CO; 7) Total hydrocarbons; 8) Temperatures at various depths; 9) External radiation level.

The data is presently being analyzed, and only a few results are available at this moment. Figure 1 shows results from two different experiments on maple. Spread rates are considerably higher for higher initial

temperatures of the slabs.

A charring theory was developed by assuming the existence of a "pyrolyzing surface." At this surface the pyrolysis rate is infinite

and the temperature is the pyrolysis temperature. This heat conduction

problem was solved for a constant surface temperature moving boundary

condition. This solid phase solution has yet to be combined with the

gas phase to yield a complete theory.

20

0.10 100 200 300

TIME (sec) AFTER IGNITION

^

400

82

Fig. 1
Task 5b : Experimental and Theoretical Study of Horizontal Fire Spread

on Plastics

Task Leader : Seng-Ghuan Tan, H.U.

Technical Abstract

Work on the understanding of the fire growth and burning of cellular

plastics continued with the measurement of the following rate data for a number of plastic foams:

1) Radial spread rate

;

2) Pyrolysis weight of the sample;

3) Convective and radiative energies evolved by the fire

;

4) CO, CO2 , O 2

, HC and H2 O gas concentrations in the exhaust.

These data are obtained from transient fire spread tests performed

on 24" square samples in 3 broad categories with the following conditions

1) No external radiation or vitiation (ambient conditioning);

2) External radiation and preheat of material ; 3) Fire-vitiated air .

The following test conditions were standardized:

1) All tests were carried out on freshly cut surfaces to avoid the

problem of surface aging.

2) The foams were ignited using a single wax match with an insertion

depth of 10 mm. This method of ignition is reproducible and the time

flaming ignition begins is when the lower edge of the match

flame strikes the foam surface.

The apparatus used is the same as that for Task 5a. Transient fire

growth tests for category 1) have been completed on the following PRC

materials: GM22, 24, 26, 28, 32, 42, 48, 50, 52 and 54. The Tenneco

Chemicals #7004 foam used in the Home Fire Project Test Series 1973-

1977 has also been measured.

Systematic tests for category 2) have been started on the same foams with uniform (± 5%) external radiation levels up to .85 W/cm^ and

preheat times up to 7 minutes. The limits of "sustained flaming" of

the above materials were determined earlier using small-scale (6" square)

transient tests under different preheat times and radiation levels . (Fig 1) For some foams there appears to be a minimum threshold of radiation level

below which sustained flaming does not occur. This is the radiation

level necessary to balance heat losses to maintain a minimum surface

temperature for flame spread.

Following the completion of the tests for category 2) , a few

additional tests will be performed to include fire-vitiated conditions.

83
Figure 1

84
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution : Integrated Systems, Inc. (a maryland corporation)

Grant No. : NB-79-SAC-A0230

Grant Title : Mechanical Designers' Smoke Control Manual

Principal Investigator : John W. Fothergill, Jr.

Integrated Systems, Inc.

(a maryland corporation)

318 West Potomac Street

Brunswick, Maryland 21716

Other Professional Personnel : Patricia A. Fothergill

Hun-Ya Lee

Henry DuBay

Margaret A. Johnson

NBS Scientific Officer: John Klote

Technical Abstract

The physical fundamentals, principles, procedures, equations, con- straints, design variables, data, definitions, etc., necessary to

design proven smoke control measures are being organized into a manual. Suitable forms of presentation, such as graphs, tables,

nomographs, etc., are being developed and integrated into written

text to allow easy use by mechanical designers. An overall format

for presentation of the material has been developed which will provide a user with an understanding of the principles involved. Samples

or examples of effective smoke control techniques of different levels

of protection will be included. The manual will also contain the

calculational steps, procedures, and data necessary to determine fan

sizes, effective relief vent areas, and other design variables, with

appropriate examples of applying each such calculational procedure.

This manual will provide the means for mechanical designers to design

state-of-the-art smoke control systems. This, in turn, should reduce

the injury and death rate due to smoke and toxic gas inhalation.

Reports and Papers

Fothergill, J. W., Jr., "A State-of-the-Art Smoke Control System Test

Procedure," presented at the Semi-Annual ASHRAE Meeting, Chicago,

111., 25-29 January 1981.

85
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution; Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, University of California,

Berkeley

Grant No.

;

NB 80 NAG-E6839

Grant Title: Fire Modeling

Principal Investigator: Professor Patrick J. Pagni

Mechanical Engineering Department

University of Galifornia

Berkeley, California 94720

Telephone: (415) 642-0729

Other Professional Personnel: Richard A. Beler, Ph.D. Candidate

Clement I. Okoh, Ph.D. Candidate

Catherine Cagle, M.S. Candidate

NBS Scientific Officer; W. Gary Mallard

Technical Abstract:

The overall goal of this project is to develop physical and mathematical models of the detailed combustion phenomena which control a fire’s growth within a compartment of origin and its subsequent propagation through a structure. These experimental and theoretical studies

will provide bases for development of test methods and for evaluation

of the real fire hazard of materials. This year’s report concentrates

on incorporating radiation in the modeling of combusting systems and

the measurement of a key parameter to quantifying radiation in fires,

the flame soot volume fraction.

Experimental values of fy, the local volume fraction of the flame

occupied by combustion generated carbon particulate, have been reported

for small turbulent pool - fire flames [7,8]. Measurement of the attenuation at several wavelengths of monochromatic laser beams passing

through a flame also determines approximate detailed size distributions

for the carbon particles within the flame. Recent results are given in

Fig. 2 for the detailed profiles of fy in the free combusting boundary

layer shown in Fig. 1. The liquid hydrocarbon fuels rank as expected

from toulene down to n-heptane. Formation near the fuel and oxidation

near the flame lead to a maximum in f^ near the converging streamline.

These data and detailed velocity, temperature and species fields,

calculated with methods currently under development here for incorporating radiation effects in the Shvab-Zeldovlch combusting boundary

86
20 T

X = 4 0 mm

10

XBL8I3-5397

(OO

K>

g

I—o

<

oc 1.0

UJ2

Z)

-Jg

I-o

o(O

0.1

A

aa

A

AA A

A A

A A

A A A ^ A A A

A ^

O A ^ A 0

- -

V V ^ V A

^ ^ o

Rdd

^ „ ^T°

±

T

A Toluene

A Cyclohexene

O lso-octone_

V Cyclohexone

n-Heptone

PMMA

± ±

0 5 10

DISTANCE FROM FUEL SURFACE, y (mm)

X0L 8 13-5399

Figure 1. Figure 2.

layer analyses [5,6], will permit modeling of the soot formation process and accurate prediction of flame radiation.

Calculations of flame radiation back to polyurethane in a pool fire

geometry yield good agreement with experimental mass pyrolysis rates

[1]. Flame radiation is well accepted as the dominant heat transfer

mode in full scale fires. This radiation is in turn controlled by the

amount of soot in the flame which now can be measured in both laboratory and full scale flames by the techniques described here [7-9]. The

next step is to determine proper soot scaling laws to allow small scale

laboratory results to be accurately extrapolated to full scale fires.

Efforts will also be directed toward extending flame height analyses

to include radiation and turbulence. Additional non-dimensional

87
radiation parameters will emerge, but previously identified groups

remain important [3,6].

Reports and Papers;

!• C.M. Kinoshita and P.J. Pagni, "Laminar Wake Flame Heights," Journal

of Heat Transfer, Trans. ASMS, Series C, 101 , 104-109, 1980.

2. C.M. Kinoshita, P.J. Pagni and R.A. Beier, "Opposed Flow Diffusion

Flame Extensions," Proceedings of the Nineteenth (International)

Symposium on Combustion , in press. The Combustion Institute,

Pittsburgh, PA, (1980).

3. C.M. Kinoshita and P.J. Pagni, "Stagnation-Point Combustion with

Radiation," Proceedings of the Nineteenth (International) Symposium

on Combustion , in press, (1980).

4. P.J. Pagni, "Diffusion Flame Analyses," Fire Safety Journal 3, 273-

285, 1981.

3. S. Bard and P.J. Pagni, "Comparison of Lased-Induced Fluorescence

and Scattering in Pool-Fire Diffusion Flames," Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative Transfer , 25, 453-462, 1981.

6. S. Bard and P.J. Pagni, "Carbon Particulate in Small Pool-Fire

Flames," Journal of Heat Transfer, Trans. ASME, Series C , 102 , in

press, 1981.

7. R.A. Beier and P.J. Pagni, "Soot Volume Fraction Profiles in a Free

Combusting Boundary Layer," American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Paper, in press, (1981).

88
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution : Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, University of California,

Berkeley

Grant No. : NB 80 NAGE 1653

Grant Title : Thermal Radiation of Luminous Flames and Smoke

Principal Investigator : Professor Chang-Lin Tien

Mechanical Engineering Department

University of California

Berkeley, California 94720

Telephone: (415) 642-0877

Other Professional Personnel : S. C. Lee (Ph.D. , 1981)

G. S. Shiralkar (Ph.D., 1980)

T. W. Tong (Ph.D., 1980)

NBS Scientific Officer : Dr. Takashi Kashiwagi

Technical Abstract

The objective of this project is to establish a simple physical

framework for the calculation of radiation from complex fire and smoke

phenomena. The basic research approach alms at developing approximate

formulations by systematic experimentation and analysis of the fundamental aspects of the problem. In particular, the research is focussed

on three topics: (1) experimental and theoretical investigation of the

soot properties affecting soot radiation from flames and smoke, (2)

analysis of radiative heat transfer in scattering media, and (3) com- putation of fire radiation and plume convection in an enclosure.

Flame and Smoke Radiation . Soot particles play an important role

in the radiative heat transfer from flames and smoke. It is necessary

to know detailed information on the soot optical properties, size distribution, and shape for accurate calculation of soot radiation. A

dispersion model has been established to predict the optical properties

of soot from in-situ flame data. Experiments are also performed of the

visible and infrared radiation attenuation in small-scale diffusion

flames of solid, liquid, and cellular fuels to provide information on

the extinction characteristics, as well as size distributions of soot

from the various fuels. Successful application of the optical properties to predict accurately the radiative characteristics of the soot

particles indicates that these properties are indeed representative of

that of soot from different fuels. Study on the effect of soot shape

on soot radiation reveals that the shape effect is more pronounced at

low temperature, i.e., typical of smoke, than at high temperature,

i.e., typical of flames. The polydisperse and spherical assumptions of

89
soot particles are also found to be appropriate for radiation calculation at elevated temperatures. Experimental investigation of the shape

effect is being currently pursued.

Analysis of Radiative Transfer with Scattering . Soot particles

absorb and scatter visible and infrared radiation. Radiative heat

transfer in flames and smoke can be modeled on the basis of dispersed

particles acting as independent absorbers and scatterers in the gaseous

medium. Simple, convenient representation of the absorption-scattering

field is being investigated. In particular, the resistance network

representation of radiative heat transfer, an absorbing-scattering

system has been developed on the basis of the two-flux and the linear

anisotropic scattering model. The mean beam length formulation for

anisotropic-scattering media is being investigated.

Computation of Enclosure Convection and Radiation. Progress has

been made in achieving simple approximate solution for radiation heat

transfer in one-dimensional, non-planar geometries and multi-dimensional geometries. Computation schemes for enclosure convection have been

examined carefully with their respective strengths and limitations.

Interaction between enclosure convection and radiation is being pursued

currently.

Reports and Papers

S. C. Lee and C. L. Tien, "Optical Constants of Soot in Hydrocarbon

Flames," Eighteenth Symposium (International) on Combustion, The

Combustion Institute, 1159-1166 (1981).

S. C. Lee and C. L. Tien, "Effect of Soot Shape on Soot Radiation,"

Paper No. 80-54, Western States Section/The Combustion Institute Fall

Meeting (1980). Submitted for publication.

C. L. Tien and S. C. Lee, "Flame Radiation," to appear in Progress in

Energy and Combustion Science (1981)

.

T. W. Tong and C. L. Tien, "Resistance-Network Representation of

Radiative Heat Transfer with Particulate Scattering," J. Quant. Spect.

Radiat. Transfer, 491-503 (1980).

W. W. Yuen and C. L. Tien, "A Successive Approximation Approach to

Problems in Radiative Transfer with a Differential Formulation," J. Heat Transfer, 102 , 86-91 (1980).

G. S. Shiralkar and C. L. Tien, "A Numerical Study of Laminar Natural

Convection in Shallow Cavities," Journal of Heat Transfer, 103 . 226-231 (1981).

90
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution : National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA

Contract No. : EMW - C - 0252

Contract Title : Investigation and Analysis of Major Fires

Principal Investigators : A. Elwood Willey, Project Admin istrator

Richard L. Best, Senior Fire Analysis

Special ist

Steven W. Hill, Fire Analysis Specialist

Fire Investigations Department

National Fire Protection Association

Batterymarch Park

Quincy, MA 02269

(617) 328-9290

Other Professional Personnel : James R. Bell, Legislative Technical

Special ist

James K. Lathrop, Life Safety Code

Specialist

Wilbur Walls, Flammable Gases Specialist

Martin Henry, Flammable Liquids

Specialist

Robert Benedetti, Chemical Specialist

Joseph Redden, Assistant Vice

President, Public

Protection

Robert Carter, Chief Fire and Arson

Investigations

Specialist

NBS Scientific Officer : Irwin A. Benjamin

(COTR: Thomas Klem, Federal Emergency

Management Agency, U.S.

Fire Administration,

National Fire Data Center)

Technical Abstract : Under a cost-sharing contract between the

National Fire Protection Association, National Bureau of Standards and

Federal Emergency Management Agency, in-depth field investigations are conducted of selected fire incidents. For each investigation an analysis is made of fire causal factors, spread factors, materials

contributing to fire and smoke propagation, people movement and

actions taken, fire propagation as a function of time, factors

affecting fire propagation, performance of fire protection equipment,

key life safety and property protection problems and of contributing

factors resulting in loss of life and property damage. In addition to

field work by investigators with fire protection engineering

background, other specialists are consulted, including NBS

91
researchers. In some cases, samples from fire scenes are tested for

fire hazard characteristics at NBS and results included in reports.

Briefings by fire investigations are provided FEMA/NBS regarding

incident facts and technical aspects of interest.

Following submittal of contract reports to FEMA/NBS, reports are published and distributed by NFPA to ensure that the facts and lessons

learned are made available to the fire community in a timely manner.

In addition to the literature, background data from the investigations

is available at NFPA for research purposes.

This contract is the fifth in a series of NFPA/NBS fire

investigation contracts since 1972. The three most recent contracts

have also involved the FEMA, with funding shared between the two

agencies and NFPA in a cooperative effort. Since the original

contract, 79 incidents have been investigated and reports prepared.

Potential Applications

This in-depth investigation and analysis activity gives an improved understanding of fire growth and development, smoke

development and spread, and the actions of people in actual fire

situations. The information gained has many uses both in the fire

safety field and in the research community.

Reports contain commentary on the performance of fire detection

and extinguishing equipment, building assemblies and systems and

various measures of fire control. The studies provide an opportunity

to measure the performance of requirements in national consensus fire

safety codes and standards. Lessons learned from these investigations

are of use to fire safety practitioners and researchers. Indicators

for additional research are often included in reports.

In addition to the use of information by NFPA technical committees

and in technical programs, information from investigations is utilized

in training films and slide packages for use by the fire service and

fire safety practitioners.

Future Milestones

Investigations are in progress on three incidents and reports will

be prepared. These active studies include:

0 A fire in the MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada killed 85

and injured 678. The incident which occurred on November 21,

1980 involved large portions of the ground level Casino area

and produced large quantities of heat and smoke throughout

the guest room areas. Although victims were found throughout

the complex, the major concentration of deaths occurred on the top five floors.

92
The fire started in a restaurant area and progressed to the

large open Casino and Arcade levels. Smoke from the fire was transmitted to upper levels via interior stairways, other

vertical openings, and by the building's HVAC system.

In conjunction with the incident investigation of the MGM

Hotel fire, a separate study of the human behavior elements

of that fire is being conducted. This survey of individual

emergency situation reactions encompasses nearly 2000 people

who were involved in the November 21, 1980 fire.

0 On the evening of February 10, 1981, 8 people died and

approximately 350 were injured as a result of an incendiary

fire in the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel. This hotel is the

largest in the United States.

This was a very technically significant fire incident due to

exterior fire spread that involved 22 floors of the 30-story

building. This exterior fire spread was attributed to a combustible interior finish in the form of carpeting on the

walls and ceilings of elevator lobbies along with other fuels

such as combustible drapes and furnishings.

0 On December 4, 1980, a fire of incendiary origin occurred

within the Conference Center at the Stouffer's Inn, Harrison,

New York. The critical location of the fire in the exit

access, the rapid development of fire, and the lack of a second means of egress from the small meeeting rooms were significant factors which contributed to the 26 fatalities

and some 40 injuries.

Reports and Papers : Under this contract the following investigation

reports have been submitted to FEMA/NBS:

Bell, James R., "High-Rise Building Fire - New York City, New

York - 137 Injuries - June 23, 1980."

Demers, David P., "Nursing Home Fire - Mississauga, Ontario - 24 Fatalities - July 14, 1980."

Bell, James R., "Hotel Fire - Bradley Beach, NJ - 24

Fatalities - July 26, 1980."

Bell, James R., " Donehue Adult Foster Care Home Fire - Detroit, Michigan - 5 Fatalities - November 30, 1980."

(Summary Report)

Hill, Steven W., "Royal Beach Hotel Fire - Chicago, IL - March 14, 1981 - Nineteen Fatalities." (Limited Investigation)

93
Preliminary Reports

"MGM Grand Hotel Fire, Las Vegas, Neveda, November 21, 1980"

"Stouffer's Inn of Westchester Fire, Harrison, New York,

December 4, 1980"

Las Vegas Hilton Hotel Fire, Las Vegas, Neveda, February 10,

1981"

Published Reports

Best, Richard L., Reconstruction of a Tragedy - Beverly Hills

Supper Club Fire, NFPA, 1978.

Demers, David P., Fire In Syracuse: Four Fire Fighters Die,

NFPA, 1979.

A Study of the Baptist Towers Housing for the Elderly Fire,

NFPA, 1973.

Articles in NFPA Publications

Bell, James R. "Smoke Hinders High-Rise Fire Operations." Fire

Command , February 1981.

Demers, David. "25 Die in Nursing Home Fire." Fire Command, March

1981.

Best, Richard. "Howard University Hospital Fire, Washington, DC."

Fire Journal , January 1981.

Demers, David. "25 Die in Nursing Home." Fire Journal , January 1981.

Bell, James R. "137 Injured in New York City High-Rise Building Fire."

Fire Journal , March 1981.

Bell, James R. "25 Die in New Jersey Hotel Fire." Fire Journal , March

1981.

"Fire at the MGM Grand - A Preliminary Report." Fire Journal , March

1981.

Recent Major Publications

Willey, A. Elwood, "Lessons from Recent Hotel Fires",

presented before the Opening Session, May 18, 1981, at the

85th NFPA Annual Meeting, Dallas, TX.

94
Best, Richard L,, "Mississauga Train Derailment", presented

at the Annual Meeting of the Union of Furtherance of Fire

Protection, Leverkusen, Germany, June 16, 1981.

Case Study NFPA Films and Slide Packages based on contract

investigations:

Case Study Slide Packages:

SL - 13, "LP-Gas Explosion, Kingman, Arizone, July 5,

1973"

SL - 22, "Hospital Fire, Osceola, MO., December 3, 1974"

SL - 26, "Three Nursing Home Fires" (Wincrest Nursing

Home, Chicago, Illinois, January 30, 1976;

Cermack House, Cicero, Illinois, FebruaryA,

1976; Plaza Nursing Centre, Niles, Illinois,

February 18, 1976)

SL - 38, "Reconstruction of a Tragedy - The Beverly

Hills Supper Club Fire"

Fi 1ms:

FL - 35, "Incendio!" (High-rise fire, Sao Paulo,

Brazil

,

February 1, 1974)

FL - 50, "The Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire ... A

Case for Code Enforcement"

95
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution ; The Pennsylvania State University

Grant No. : NBS Grant 7-9020

Grant Title : An Investigation of Fire Impingement on a Horizontal

Ceiling

Principal Investigator ; Professor G. M. Faeth

Department of Mechanical Engineering

The Pennsylvania State University

214 M. E. Building

University Park, PA 16802

Other Professional Personnel ; S-M. Jeng, Graduate Assistant

H-Z. You, Ph.D. Candidate

NBS Scientific Officer: H. Baum

Technical Abstract

The structure and heat transfer characteristics of turbulent fires

and fire plumes impinging on a horizontal ceiling are being investigated

in order to provide a better understanding of unwanted fires within

structures. The results of the study have direct application to

modeling fires within buildings, determining heat transfer rates to

structural members during fires, and to estimating the environment of

fire detectors and fire suppression devices mounted near a ceiling.

Results of the study also provide basic Information on the properties

of buoyant, turbulent, combusting flows useful for the development of

improved theoretical descriptions of these processes.

The objectives of the research are to complete measurements of

convective and radiative heat fluxes to the ceiling and radiative heat

fluxes to the surroundings when an axisymmetric turbulent fire plume

impinges on a horizontal ceiling. The structure of the flow, in both

the plume and ceiling jet regions is also being examined. These re- sults are being employed to develop a differential (field) model of the

plume portion of the flow, which utilizes higher-order turbulence

closure; as well as simplified integral models which can represent the

main features of both the plume and ceiling jet regions. The objective

of the theory is to help summarize the experimental results and to provide more insight concerning simple correlations of the measurements

that were found during earlier stages of the investigation.

Measurements during this report period emphasized flow structure

in the plume portion of the flow. The measurements included profiles

of mean velocity, velocity fluctuations and Reynolds stress using a laser-Doppler anemometer, mean temperature using fine-wire

96
thermocouples, and mean concentrations of gaseous species using isokinetic sampling and gas chromatography. A sampling system for soot

concentrations and a method for measuring instantaneous concentrations

by marker nephelometry were also developed during this report period,

however, only limited measurements have been completed with these

systems to date.

Measurements have been completed on two experimental apparatus.

The first arrangement involves a 55 mm I.D. burner tube located 400 mm

below a lOOO mm diameter water-cooled ceiling. Two flames have been

studied with this apparatus, having flame tip Reynolds numbers 2000 and

8000. The second apparatus involved an open 1.2 mm I.D. burner with no ceiling present so that measurements could extend well beyond the com- busting region. In this case, flame tip Reynolds numbers were varied

in the range 5000-25000.

The main elements of the field model have been described in

earlier reports. Briefly, a k-e-g turbulence model is employed using

Reynolds averaged governing equations and a simplified radiation model.

Buoyancy is considered in the mean flow equations, but the effect of

buoyancy on turbulence properties is ignored. This model has demonstrated good agreement with combusting jet measurements, involving small

buoyancy effects, during earlier work in this laboratory.

The integral model for the plume has been constructed to minimize

its complexity and empiricism. Top-hat profiles are assumed using an entrainment expression involving two empirical constants. Turbulent

reaction rates are estimated using an integral model simplification of

the Magnussen and Hjertager model. The reaction expression requires

one additional empirical constant.

The integral model in the ceiling jet is constructed in the same manner as the plume. The only additional empirical factor involves the

friction factor at the ceiling. Convective ceiling heat transfer rates are found using the Reynolds/Colburn analogy.

The predictions of both models have only been compared with results in the literature and measurements using the 55 mm I.D. burner.

The field model yielded fair predictions, however, the results were not

as satisfactory as for forced flows. The main discrepancy involved

underestimating the width of the flow. Currently, the model is being

improved by introducing a beta function pdf and buoyant contributions

to turbulence. Work is in progress to compare the revised model with

the expanded data base available from the new measurements.

Both current measurements and those in the literature were reduced

to obtain mean flow properties appropriate for comparison with the predictions of the integral model. Predicted and measured mean velocities,

temperatures and concentrations were in reasonably good agreement for

both the plume and ceiling jet regions. However, best results were

obtained using slightly different values of the entrainment constant

for noncombusting and combusting flows (0.140 and 0.182, respectively).

" 97
While the variation is not much worse than the accuracy of existing

data, it does suggest effects of buoyant structure and Froude number

that could be accommodated in an improved model. These modifications

will be considered when all experimentation is complete.

Currently, a new apparatus is being constructed which employs a

5 mm I.D. burner. Several Improvements over earlier arrangements have

been incorporated in order to improve experimental accuracy. This

includes cooling the burner to room temperature in order to eliminate

extraneous natural convection flows along the sides of the plume and a screened enclosure that moves as the burner position is varied for LDA

measurements. The moving enclosure serves to reduce disturbance of

entrainment properties. This arrangement will provide a means of

approaching conditions where both buoyancy and high Reynolds numbers

are present at the same time, which eliminates an important gap in the

current data base. Measurements with this system will involve both

combusting and noncombusting flows using the LDA for velocities and

marker nephelometry for concentrations. The capability of instantaneous measurements of both quantities will provide a means of testing

the extensions of the differential model.

The results of this research provide benchmark flow structure data

under well-defined experimental conditions which can be used to test

both detailed differential models as well as simplified integral models

of natural fires. The models examined thus far appear promising and

exhibit the potential to reduce the need for expensive large scale

tests during fire hazard evaluation as well as providing a more

rational basis for standardized fire tests.

Reports and Papers

You, H-Z. and Faeth, G. M. , "An Investigation of Fire Impingement on

a Horizontal Ceiling," Report under NBS Grant 7-9020, Department of

Mechanical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, October

1980.

You, H-Z. , "An Investigation of Fire Plume Impingement on a Horizontal

Ceiling," Ph.D. Thesis, The Pennsylvania State University, March 1981.

You, H-Z. and Faeth, G. M. , "Buoyant Axisymmetric Turbulent Diffusion

Flames in Still Air," Combustion and Flame, in press.

You, H-Z. and Faeth, G. M. , "A Simplified Model of Axisymmetric

Turbulent Fire Plumes," in preparation.

98
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution : Fire Research Department, Construction Technology Laboratories, Portland Cement Association

Grant No .: NBS Grant NB8 ONADAIOO9

Grant Title : Extension of Short-Term Creep Tests at Elevated Temperatures

Principal Investigator : Michael Gillen

Fire Research Department

Construction Technology Laboratories

Portland Cement Association

5^20 Old Orchard Road

Skokie, Illinois 6OOTT

Other Professional Personnel : None

NBS Scientific Officer: L. Issen

Technical Abstract

This program is an extension of a previous investigation, also

funded by NBS, of the short-term creep behavior of concrete at elevated

temperatures. The current program examines the influence of variables

not studied in detail in the initial program, but that was observed to

have a measureable effect on concrete strain behavior. In particular,

the role of moisture in influencing creep behavior will be studied at a number of loads and temperat'ures. In addition, one test series will

examine the effect of these variables on concrete compressive strength.

At the conclusion of the experimental portion of the program, an effort will be made to use the data to develop an analytical expression

that will adequately model concrete creep behavior as a function of the

variables studied. A suitable model for the short-term creep of con- crete at elevated temperatures is essential for the accurate evaluation

of the design of a concrete structure to withstand fire.

The experimental program includes 276 creep and compressive

strength tests on concrete cylinders made from three types of mineral

aggregates. Significant variables are:

a. Aggregate type - calcareous, siliceous, and lightweight

aggregates

,

b. Temperature - ambient to 6^9C (1200F),

c. Static load - 0.3 to 0.6f^^

d. Concrete curing - 10, 50, and 100^ RH, and

e. Test duration - 6 to 2hh.

99
The analytical portion of the program will begin with, but not

be limited to, a comparison of test data to models proposed by other

investigators in the field of creep of concrete at room and elevated

temperatures. In addition, some alternative expressions will be

examined in the course of determining the mathematical model that

best matches experimental results.

Funding for the program was approved at the end of March, I98O.

Work completed from that time has included the fabrication, curing, and

testing of about 65^ of the concrete specimens called for in the experimental portion of the program. Work has also been conducted on development of computer programs for processing the large volume of test data

and performing much of the numerical analysis associated with the

analytical portion of the program.

The overall program is anticipated to be completed in November,

1981.

Reports and Papers

Progress Reports

100
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution : Princeton University

Grant No

.

: NBS Grant 7-9004

Grant Title : An Experimental Investigation of Flame Spread Over Condensed Combust iUles : Gas Phase Interactions

Principal Investigators : Prof. I. Glassman (Correspondent) Prof. F.L.

Dryer

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Princeton University

Princeton, New Jersey 08544

Other Professional Personnel : S. Ray, Ph.D. Candidate

I. Kennedy, Research Staff Member

NBS Scientific Officer : B. McCaffrey

Technical Abstract

During the past year an investigation of the detailed mechanism of

a flame spreading over a condensed phase fuel continued. In an effort

to obtain a clearer picture of the competing processes involved, special

attention has been focussed on the behavior of spreading flames in an opposing flow of oxidizer. This approach has shown the strong effects

of both the opposed flow velocity and of the oxygen concentration in the

atmosphere. Further, by comparing the behavior of thermally thick and

thin fuels some insight has been gained as to the role of heat transfer

in the process.

In the previous year the behavior of a spreading flame was quantified in terms of global parameters (Fernandez-Pello et.al. ( 1980 )).

These nondimens ional terms separated the two competing effects of heat

transfer and gas phase chemistry. The chemistry was described by a Damkohler number defined as

Cy P^A Y (£n(l+B)/B°'^^)

D = —S

2 exp(-E /RTp)

Le p ®

g

while the heat transfer was addressed using the thermal flame spread

model of de Ris ( 1969 ). The dimensionless spread rates were

V

p C X V(T -T ) s ps S V °° pc XU (T^-T

g pg g m F V

2

72

101
for a thick fuel, and

V =

for a thin fuel. The success of the approach was shown hy the ability

to correlate the measured spread rates over the entire range of opposed

flowrate and oxygen concentration studied.

Present work is directed at extending and refining the above approach. It is felt that the correlation is a powerful tool for practical fire situations during its initial stages. It indicates the role

of finite chemistry and the approach of extinction conditions. However,

a true understanding of the detailed processes involved in stabilizing

a flame over a fuel surface is still lacking. To this end we have directed attention to the behavior of the leading edge of a spreading

flame , which is believed to be the key element determining the rate of

spread.

The present view of the process is somewhat different from that

held before, as diagrammed in Figure 1. It is postulated that the diffusion flame sheet is anchored near the fuel surface by a small premixed

flame zone acting as a pilot. The conditions at this flame site are such that the laminar flame speed relative to the fuel/oxidizer mixture

is equal and opposite to the opposed flow velocity at that particular

height from the surface. This requirement is necessary for a steady

flame to remain over the fuel. By knowing the laminar flame speed the

gasified fuel concentration can be deduced at the flame location. By

assuming the fuel vaporizes ahead of the flame into a boundary layer one can then calculate the extent of preheating of the fuel surface necessary to produce the required concentration of fuel vapor at the flame

front. Using standard approaches the resulting expression for the preheat length,^, is

Z = V

d^U

1 -

1-1

du

P V dy

-E/RT

XX X / \A e

o Flo)

One of the remaining questions is the mechanism by which the fuel

surface is heated, be it by direct surface heating or by subsurface con- duction from the postflame region. To investigate the relative importance of the various heating modes a series of surface temperature profiles were measured for opposed flow of oxygen of various velocities

(Figure 2). If subsurface heating were the primary mechanism causing

subsequent surface vaporization, one would expect the extent of preheat

to increase with higher opposed flow velocities. The experimental results indicate that the preheat length decreases with increasing opposed flow. These findings seem to indicate that some other effect oc102
c\irs near the flame front not yet included in the conceptual model. It

is quite possible that direct surface heating could be primarily responsible for the surface temperature behavior. In addition, the diffusion

of vaporized fuel within the quench layer to the pre-flame zone could

be more important than formly believed. Work is presently underway on the development of a physical model incorporating these new ideas and

results

.

NOMENCLATURE

A

B

C

d

E

£n

P

R

T

T

Vu ,u m 0° du I dylo

Y

oA,v,y ,C^

Arrhenius pre-exponential term

Mass transfer number

Constant term

Quenching distance on flame standoff distance

Activation energy

Characteristic preheat length ahead of flame

Order of overall reaction

Gas phase pressure

Gas constant

Ambient temperature

Flame temperature

Surface vaporization temperature

Flow velocity

Surface velocity gradient

Oxidizer or fuel mole fraction

Oxidizer mass fraction

Thermophysical properties

Subscripts

gas phase properties

solid phase properties

REFERENCES

de Ris, J., "Spread of a Laminar Diffusion Flame", Xllth Symposium, p.

2 kl ( 1969 ).

Fernandez-Pello, A.C., Ray, S.R. and Glassman, I., "Flame Spread in an Opposed Forced Flow: The Effect af Ambient Oxygen Concentration",

XVIIIth Symposium ( 198O).

Reports and Papers

Glassman, I. and Dryer, F.L., "Flame Spreading Across Liquid Fuels",

Fire Safety J. 3, 123 ( 1981 ).

Fernandez-Pello, A.C., Ray, S.R. and Glassman, I., "Flame Spread in an Opposed Forced Flow: The Effect of Ambient Oxygen Concentration",

XVIIIth Symposium (int'l) on Combustion, The Comb. Inst., p. 5T9(l98l).

Ray, S.R., Fernandez-Pello, A.C. and Glassman, I., "An Analysis of the

Heat Transfer Mechanisms in Horizontal Flame Propagation", J. of Heat

Transfer 102, 357 (1980).

103
Temperature

(deg

C)

PHYSICAL FLAME SPREAD MODEL

FIGURE 1

SURFACE TEMPERATURE PROFILES

Distance from flame (mm)

FIGURE 2

104
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution ; SRI International

Contract Number ; EO-AOl-78-00-3569

Contract Title ; Continuation of Decision Analysis Studies in Fire

Hazard Analysis

Principal Investigator ; Fred L. Offensend, Ph.D.

Director, Decision Analysis Group

SRI International

Menlo Park, CA 94025

NBS Scientific Officer ; Alan Gomberg

Technical Abstract

The objective of this project is to develop and demonstrate a decision analysis model for evaluating alternative strategies for

reducing residential fire losses. The model will ultimately be used

to evaluate a variety of loss reduction strategies including basic

research directions, design standards, prevention and detection programs, and suppression measures.

The decision analysis model has five sub-models. The implementation sub-model describes the loss reduction strategy under consideration and the degree to which its implementation is attenuated

through manufacturing defects, user acceptance, and improper installation and maintenance. The demographics sub-model specifies the

housing population under consideration. The fire loss sub-model

calculates the annual residential fire losses for the target population

in question, given a loss reduction strategy and its degree of implementation. The value sub-model introduces explicit value judgments

to convert the physical losses calculated by the fire loss model to

economic terms. The cost sub-model calculates the total economic cost

of the loss reduction strategy under consideration. The output of the

cost model is then added to the economic value of the losses to give

the cost plus loss of the alternative in question. From an economic

standpoint, the most attractive alternative is the one with the least

total economic Impact to society.

Probability trees are used to model uncertainty on fire and human

behavior. Where possible, we use historical statistics to develop the

probability assignments, but if such information is not available, we

use expert judgment as that represents the best information available.

The various sub-models are modular in format so that they can be

replaced with more complex models as the need arises.

105
A preliminary version of the residential fire decision analysis

model has been developed. The model is now being used to compare the

cost-effectiveness of smoke detectors and residential sprinkler systems.

We expect to have our preliminary results documented by autumn 1981.

Reports and Papers

Offensend, F. L. and Gomberg, A., "The Use of Decision Analysis Methods

for Describing Residential Fire Hazards" paper presented at the ORSA/

TIMS national meeting, Toronto, Canada, May 4, 1981.

106
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH'

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution : SRI International

Grant No . : NBS Grant NB80NADA1003

Grant Title : Polymer Degradation During Combustion

Principal Investigator : Dr. S. K. Brauman

Polymer Sciences

SRI International

333 Ravenswood Avenue

Menlo Park, CA 94025

Other Professional Personnel : I. J. Chen, M.S.

NBS Scientific Officer: Dr. Thomas J. Ohlemiller

Technical Abstract

The degradation of burning polystyrene is being investigated to

provide understanding of the detailed degradation processes occurring in

the condensed phase of a burning pol3rmer that result in fuel production

and to allow prediction of the effect of certain thermal or chemical

variables on the rate or mechanism of fuel production. We are using a novel driven-rod apparatus with superimposed radiant heating to study

steady-state linear regression of vertically mounted polymer rods

degrading under nonflaming conditions that simulate those of combustion.

Absence of the flame simplifies experiments and analysis.

During combustion in air (15 liters/mln) , a 1. 35-cm-diameter rod of

polystyrene containing 0.05 wt% carbon black burns from the top with a steady-state linear regression rate of 0.058 ± 0.001 cm/min (71.9 mg/

min). The temperature profile is determined with a 0.002-in. thermocouple embedded horizontally in the sample. The surface temperature, or temperature when the thermocouple appears at the surface, is 461 ± 2°C

(see Figure 1 for a representative temperature profile). The temperature gradient during steady-state combustion extends slightly more than

4 cm into the polymer. However, almost all the temperature rise occurs

in the top 1.5 cm, and most of this rise happens rapidly once the

polymer becomes fluid around 150°C at a distance of 8 to 9 mm below the

surface. Only about the top 1 mm is actively bubbling.

We achieved the combustion linear regression rate for nonflaming

degradation of the polymer rod in air and nitrogen (15 liters/min) by

using superimposed radiant heating on the top of the polymer rod (1.35

cal/cm^ sec for both atmospheres). To achieve a pyrolysis temperature

107
profile (see Figure 1) and melt depth resembling those during combustion,

we had protected the length of the rod from the incident light with a water-cooled stainless steel shield; temperature profiles determined

across the rod diameter are quite similar. Since the required radiant

flux is independent of the atmosphere, polymer surface oxidation appears

insignificant during pyrolysis and, presumably, during combustion in

this top-burning configuration.

We calculated mass loss rates using the observed temperature profiles and kinetic parameters (E =47.2 kcal/mole, zero order kinetics)

determined for isothermal (totaf) volatilization of this polystyrene

sample (Dow, Styron 666U) in nitrogen. These parameters are within the

range of literature values for polystyrene. To calculate the rates, we treated the temperature profile as a series of isothermal cross sections

taken at uniform temperature intervals, typically every two degrees

along the profile. The gradient temperature corresponding to the section midpoint was used as the isothermal temperature for the section.

The temperature dependence of the density was taken into account. The

calculated rates are in very good agreement with the observed rate

(Table 1) , particularly considering the large extrapolation (above 345°C)

to the high temperatures near the surface. We calculate that little

degradation resulting in volatilization occurs below about 350°C (1.8 mm below the hot surface).

Table 1

RESULTS FOR COMBUSTION AND RADIANT

PYROLYSIS OF POLYSTYRENE^

Conditions

Surface

Temperature

(°c)

Calculated

Mass Loss

(% of observed)

Combustion 461 ± 2 117 ± 18

Radiant pyrolysis,^

nitrogen 460 ± 3 122 ± 14

air 451 ± 1 86 ± 2

0.06 cm/min regression rate.

^1.35 cal/cm^ sec.

However, degradation resulting in loss in polymer molecular weight

without concomitant volatilization does occur at a greater depth.

Radiant pyrolysis residues (nitrogen) are being analyzed to provide

mechanistic information of the condensed-phase degradation processes

occurring within the polymer under combustion-like conditions. Preliminary analysis by gel permeation chromatography Indicates no change

in molecular weight below about 285°C (3.0 mm below the hot surface).

108

"
In the future, we will attempt to fit these results to the observed

temperature profile and degradation scheme.

The information obtained from this research will contribute to

reducing the nation's fire loss by providing understanding of the

chemistry of the combustion process of fuel production. With this

knowledge, understanding of the effectiveness of and even prediction of

improved fire retardants used to control fires by altering fuel production become possible.

Reports and Papers

Brauman, S.K., and Chen, I.J., "Polymer Degradation During Combustion,"

SRI International Annual Report, January 21, 1981.

Brauman, S.K., and Chen, I.J., "Polymer Degradation During Combustion,"

SRI International Quarterly Progress Report No. 5, April 6, 1981.

109
750

110

FIGURE

1

REPRESENTATIVE

TEMPERATURE

PROFILES

FOR

POLYSTYRENE

BURNING

OR

PYROLYZING

AT

STEADY

STATE
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution ; Center for Urban and Public Affairs

Tennessee State University

Grant No. : NB81NADA2017

Grant Title : "Tennessee Fire Research Project"

Principal Investigator : Dr. Eugene Cheatham

Director, Center for Urban and

Public Affairs

Middle Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University

301 Seventh Avenue, North

Nashville, Tennessee 37219

615-251-1174

Other Professional Personnel ; Ron H. Aday, Ph.D.

Eugene H. Grigsby, Ph.D.

NBS Scientific Officer: Irwin Benjamin

Technical Abstract

Within the United States, incidents of fire resulting in deaths,

injuries, dollar and property loss have occurred disproportionately in the

southeastern portion of the U.S. as compared to the rest of the nation.

The chances of death resulting from fires in the southeast region are 60% greater than in any other portion of the U.S. There is even a greater disparity among the minority communities of this region.

Consequently, federal, state and local government fire departments and

agencies across the nation are endeavoring to identify the problems of

these fires, their probable causes as well as reducing the number of

fires which occur every year.

This is a seed proposal that is in its initial stage of work. Its

overall objective is to provide access to available data on fires and

the sociological-psychological disparity of fires between minority and

non-minority communities. One of the first steps in accomplishing this

objective will be to identify and assess pertinent data related to

incidents of urban and rural fires provided by the Center for Fire

Research and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Ill
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution ; TRW Defense and Space Systems Group

Grant No

.

; NB80NADA1065

Grant Title ; Modeling of Wind-Aided Fire Spread

Principal Investigator ; F. E. Fendell

Engineering Sciences Laboratory

TRW DSSG

One Space Park, Rl/1138

Redondo Beach, CA 90278

Other Professional Personnel ; G. F. Carrier, Consultant

P. S. Feldman, Numerical Analyst

NBS Scientific Officer; H. Baum

Technical Abstract

This project, just under way for one quarter, undertakes progress

toward the ultimate goal of predicting the rate of wind-aided flame

spread across a horizontal fuel slab (e.g., the ceiling of a corridor)

from knowledge of (1) the chemical and physical properties of the slab,

and (2) the modest speed, slightly reduced oxygen content, and appreciable enthalpy of the vitiated air (taken to be initially fuel-vaporfree) flowing across the slab. More particularly, what is sought is the

time rate of change of the extent of the involvement of the slab,

taken to be the area over which significant outgassing of (at least partially) combustible fuel vapor is occurring.

For specificity, and because it serves a useful adjunct goal, the

modeling concentrates on a simplified unsteady, two-dimensional formulation of the ASTM E84 test, carried out in a so-called Steiner tunnel.

In this extensively utilized, ten-minute-duration test, hot (up to 1150K)

air continuously flows along a slab, ceiling-mounted in a sealed duct;

the air cools radiatively as it proceeds downstream at about 1.2 m/s.

The formulation is simplified in that it employs laminar diffusion in

the boundary-layer approximation, convective transport in the Oseen

approximation (though nonlinearity is necessary to account adequately

for interphase mass transfer), and chemical kinetics in the BurkeSchumann thin-flame limit. Nevertheless, the problem entails the com- plexity of three independent variables; of inherent coupling of the

gaseous and solid phases; and of radiative, diffusive, and convective

transfer of heat. More importantly, the problem is of an unconventional

Stefan-type, in that a moving boundary is present in a heat-and-masstransfer process. The moving boundary, whose position is to be found in

the course of solution as the principal output, is the separatrix

between the nonpyrolyzing portion of the sample (undergoing preheating

112
to a pyrolysis temperature) and the pyrolyzing portion of the sample

(from which combustible vapor is evolved to sustain the exothermic gasphase combustion and thus to perpetuate the endothermic gasification of

the solid)

.

In previous work, already reported in the literature, an analyticnumeric methodology was introduced for solving such problems. Briefly,

introduction of Fourier transform over the coordinate transverse to the

two-phase interface integrates out dependence on one spatial independent

variable. The hyperbolic suboperator (of the original parabolic operator) is exposed, and use of its characteristics facilitates formulation

of integral equations describing heat and mass transfer in the interfacial plane. Coupling of these integral equations with the locally

pertinent algebraic relations describing boundary conditions holding at

the two-phase interface permits "zone-of-inf luence", ”zone-of-silence"

concepts to produce a solution in the interfacial plane. While extension of the solution off the interfacial plane is conceptually straightforward, it is computationally demanding in realistic cases. However,

while the solution is not complete, the most practically important

insight is available from solution in the interfacial plane; for

instance, the translation of the pyrolysis front in time is available.

The present undertaking seeks to improve the efficiency and the

accessibility of the computational implementation of the above-described

novel methodology. However, there are two aspects of the present formulation wherein the physics of the process is so idealized that improvement seems highly desirable before portability is addressed. (The

matter of modeling turbulent diffusion flames is a broader, long term

question whose scope is taken to lie outside the immediate concerns of

the present undertaking.) The first aspect to be addressed is the

modeling of the mechanism for gasification (and the attendant process

of charring); the second aspect is the modeling of the radiative transfer associated with the existence of soot particles in the gas-phase

diffusion flame.

Previously the mechanism for gasification was taken to be sublimation. That is, at downwind portions of the two-phase interface, no interphase mass transfer occurs because the (to be determined) surface

temperature lies below the (specified) sublimation temperature; continuity of temperature, and continuity of heat flux (aside from radiative

transfer), hold at the interface. Along an upwind portion of the slab,

the temperature of the surface is constant at the (specified) sublimation value; aside from radiative contributions, that heat flvix from the

gas which is not conducted into the interior of the (semi-inf initely

thick) slab, serves to furnish the (specified) latent heat of sublimation and thus to meet the endothermic requirement for interphase mass

transfer. In fact, the previously discussed separatrix is that special

locus along the surface that is at the sublimation temperature but at

which no interphase mass transfer occurs. There are two limitations for

such a formulation. First, while exceptions such as PMMA may be cited,

113
the overwhelming preponderance of synthetic and natural pol3nners used as construction materials does not gasify by sublimation; rather, these polymers form a porous carbonaceous layer (known as a char layer) between

the pristine solid in the interior and the gas-solid surface. Second,

the solid surface was taken as planar in the sublimation case, despite

the fact that the rate of interphase mass transfer is highly variable

along the two phase interface from the leading edge to the separatrix.

Thus the solid was taken to be capable of shear as required to maintain

planarity of the two-phase interface; while such an approximation is

conventional within boundary-layer treatment, it is an idealization.

Here the presence of a char layer is to be accounted for within the

interpretation that the role of such a layer is of concern primarily in

heat-transfer considerations, as opposed to chemical-kinetic considerations.^'^ At a postulated char-layer/pristine-solid Interface, a sublimation mechanism (at known temperature, with known specific heat of phase

transition) effects gasification of a (known) fraction of the polymer

into vapor, a (known) fraction of which is exothermically combustible

with air at high-enough temperature. This vapor flows through the

finite thickness of the porous-char layer to the gas phase; under a Burke-Schumann model no oxygen reaches to the char surface, so no reac- tion of the fuel vapor within the char, nor of the char surface itself,

is possible. (Endothermic reaction at the char surface via reduction of

carbon dioxide could be included, but seems nonessential at the outset.)

The char-layer/gas-phase interface (at known position) is hotter than

the char-layer/pristine-solid interface (at position to be determined),

so the role of the char is seen to be that of large "thermal storage".

Since the char is taken not to attain a temperature at which the char

has no residual strength (such that carbon fragments would spall off

into the gas), the char-layer/gas-phase interface is rigorously taken

as planar. While such a model introduces a new dependent variable and

an associated integral equation, it proves entirely compatible with the

previously developed methodology.

The other physical phenomenon that warrants Inclusion is the radiative transfer associated with the presence of particulate matter in the

Of course, the release of toxic gases owing to thermal degradation of

the polymer may also be of prime concern. However, the rates and mechanisms remain largely unknown; might well be intractable in the present

context of wind-aided flame spread, even if they were known; and, in any

event, probably would be so case-specific that generality of insight

from any special material might be nil. It would be interesting to

inquire whether the rate of toxic gas release, in complicated multidimensional unsteady fire of practical interest, might not be as adequately discussed within the above char-layer model as any finite-rateprocess model yet advanced. Such a model must parameterize preferential

release of gases, but at least in this manner still could incorporate

the phenomenon.

114
vicinity of the diffusion flame. (Other roles for radiative transfer

associated with cooling of the bulk gas as it streams along the length

of the slab, and vjith radiative loss from the hot char-layer surface

owing to radiated heat not returned by other surfaces with a finite view

factor, are either already incorporated, or else readily added, to the

existing formulation.) Because of treatment of the gas-phase in terms

of Shvab-Zeldovich passive-scalar functions, accounting for the radiative transfer associated with soot is less readily effected. While the

subject is still under development, it is interesting to recall the

approach introduced by J. de Ris in his 1967 doctoral thesis at Harvard

University on the spread of a diffusion flame against the wind over a solid surface (capable of gasification by sublimation). A fraction of

the gas-phase chemical exothermicity is taken to be convected and

diffused from the site of the diffusion flame, and a fraction is taken

to be radiated away (part of the radiated heat contributing to the

energy balance at the two-phase interface). However, utilization of

this concept requires that the amount of heat of combustion locally

released be known; such information is part of the solution in the problem under examination, and a relatively inaccessible part at that.

The amount of fuel vapor being introduced into the gas stream is readily

available in the course of solution of the wind-aided problem of interest here; however, fuel vapor may be convected downwind before it

reacts, so that the site of mass transfer and the site of chemical exo- thermicity may be appreciably displaced. Nevertheless, soot formation

may be the result of pyrolysis of fuel in the oxygen-free portion of

the gas phase, and soot that migrates into the oxygen-containing portion

of the gas-phase may be burned up. Thus, the interfacial mass-transfer

rate may furnish a basis in terms of which soot radiation is formulated.

In conclusion, the extention of the methodology for wind-aided

flame spread to include soot radiation and char-layer enthalpy content

is proceeding. Attention is then to be placed on implementation

of these improvements in a computer code more accessible to interested

users

.

Reports and Papers

Carrier, G. F., Fendell, F. E. , and Feldman, P. S., "Wind-Aided Flame

Spread Along a Horizontal Fuel Slab," Combustion Science and Technology

_23, (1980), 41-78.

115
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution: Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

Grant No. ; NB80NADA1016

Grant Title : "Investigation of Fire Hazards Associated

With Installations of Fireplace Inserts

In Factory-Built and Masonry Fireplaces."

Principal Investigator : Wayne R. Terpstra

Engineering Team Leader

Fire Protection Department

Underwriters Laboratories Inc

.

Other Professional

Personnel

:

NBS Scientific Officer:

G. T. Castino

J. R. Beyreis

L. J. Dosedlo

M. L. Jorgenson

R. D. Peacock

Technical Abstract:

A program is proposed to support NBS efforts

related to fireplace inserts. The objective of the

program is to investigate potential fire risks associated with the use of fireplace inserts in factory-built

and masonry fireplaces. Representative fireplace/

fireplace-insert combinations have been identified and

an appropriate testing program developed. Fifteen

fireplace/fireplace-insert combinations are being

tested, and presently recommended practices for installation and use of these devices have been reviewed.

National concerns for energy conservation and

development of alternate fuels for domestic uses have

lead to increased emphasis on fuel wood and coal for

home heating. Products which are designed to produce

heat by burning coal and wood are being actively promoted and are finding rapidly increasing markets in

the U.S. Among these products is the fireplace insert,

which is a radiant-type heater designed to be placed

wholly or partially within an existing fireplace. Its

purpose is to improve the heating efficiency of the

existing fireplace without the need for major structural

alterations to the building.

116
It is estimated that there are more than 20 million

fireplaces in U.S. homes which are candidates for installation of fireplace inserts. In view of the large

potential market involved, it is essential that safety

standards and testing programs for these devices keep

pace with the developing technology to prevent the

introduction of unreasonable and unforeseen hazards

into American homes. Therefore, it is appropriate that

the National Bureau of Standards conduct a multi-year

program to accelerate the identification and resolution

of fire problems associated with fireplace inserts.

The program initiated under the grant is in

support of the NBS efforts related to solid fuel burning

devices. The objective of the program is to determine

and quantify potential fire risks associated with the

use of fireplace inserts in fireplaces. The program is

being accomplished by identifying representative

fireplace/fireplace-insert combinations, developing

an appropriate testing program, testing approximately

15 fireplace/fireplace-insert combinations, and reviewing

present recommended practices for installation and use

of these devices. The program is considering (1) thermal

effects, (2) chimney connections, (3) material, construction, and structural aspects, (4) electrical

component evaluation, (5) leakage of combustion products,

and (6) securement and stability of the fireplace inserts.

The initial work contained a review of the constructional and operating characteristics of fireplaces

representative of those presently in use today. Based

on this review, generic categories of fireplaces have

been identified. A similar effort with respect to

fireplace inserts has been conducted at Auburn

University under a concurrent grant from NBS.

In concert with representatives of NBS and Auburn

University, the information developed by UL and Auburn

has been reviewed, and a number of fireplace/fireplaceinsert combinations has been selected to represent the

generic categories in subsequent tests. For these

combinations, a testing program has been developed and

carried out to identify and quantify parameters related

to fire hazards associated with the fireplace inserts.

117
Information obtained from the review of fireplace

designs, and similar information on fireplace inserts

developed by Auburn University has been used to identify

fireplace/fireplace-insert combinations for test, and

to outline the test program. In this process, existing

standards for wood-burning devices have been reviewed

for their applicability to fireplace inserts. This has

been done in concert with representatives of NBS and

Auburn University. The test program will be designed

to develop information on approximately a dozen constructional and operational features, including:

A. Temperatures on the existing fireplace.

B. Temperatures on adjacent combustible

materials

.

C. Temperatures on the fireplace insert and

fire chamber walls.

D. Compatibility of the insert with the

fireplace

.

E. Methods of sealing the fireplace opening.

F. The effects of installation of the insert

on air flow and air cooling of the fireplace .

G. The effects of chimney size and construction on the performance of the insert.

H. Securement or removal of existing fireplace

dampers when installing the insert and

connection of the insert to the existing

chimney

.

I. Material, construction, and structural

integrity of the fireplace insert.

J. Evaluation of electrical components and

controls associated with the warm air handling equipment of fireplace inserts.

K. Flue-gas temperature and composition, and

L. Carbon monoxide leakage into the living area.

118
The test program is being carried out, using 15

combinations of fireplaces and fireplace inserts.

The masonry fireplaces of minimiam construction in

conformance with building code requirements are being

used in the program. The fireplace inserts are

installed in the fireplaces in accordance with the

insert manufacturer's instructions.

A portion of fire tests has been conducted; these

have been a fuel source consistent with the methods

presently being used for solid-fuel burning appliances

under Nationally recognized standards.

The schedule for the project anticipates an

August 31, 1981 completion date. The first six months

of the investigation were devoted to an extensive

research review of masonry fireplace designs and the

development of the test program. The remaining nine

months encompass the physical testing and analysis of

the data developed.

The current status of the project is such that

during the first half of the project, work was performed under the first task of the program and included:

1) Review of factory-built fireplaces.

2) Review of masonry fireplace designs.

3) Design of the masonry fireplace test fixture,

based on the information from the review.

4) Coordination and planning meeting with NBS

and Auburn University staff members.

The review of factory-built fireplaces included

identifying the design parameters which might be affected

by the installation of a fireplace insert into the fireplace. A survey questionnaire for factory-built

fireplace manufacturers was developed and distributed.

119
Using the information from these questionnaires

to identify the existing designs of factory built

fireplaces along with manufacturer's data and data

previously developed, four generic categories were

established.

These categories considered such design features

as air flow and cooling patterns, insulating materials,

chimney sizes, and installation methods.

The review of the masonry fireplace designs

included a detailed review of numerous publications,

masonry construction handbooks, and all model building

codes used in the U.S. This resulted in the development of design drawings of the masonry fireplace test

fixture and the associated instrumentation.

120
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution ; The university of Arkansas at pine Bluff

Grant No. ; NB 81NADA 2015

Grant Title ; Fire Safety Problems as Affected by Human

Behavior

principal investigator ; Carolyn R. Gaylord, ph. D.

Department of Special Education

and Psychology

University of Arkansas at pine

Bluff

N. Cedar

pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601

B. Ebo Tei, Ph. D.

Department of Special Education

and Psychology

university of Arkansas at pine

Bluff

N. Cedar

pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601

Other Professional Personnel ; None

NBS Scientific Officer ; Irwin A. Benjamin

Technical Abstract

Available evidence indicates that loss of property

and lives due to fires is higher in the southeastern states

than in the U.S. as a whole. Also blacks in this region

tend to sustain twice as much loss as whites in the same

region. The objective of the research is to identify the

psychological and behavioral characteristics of blacks that

contribute to or prevent the likelihood of fires, identify

the major reasons leading to the differential rates of

losses between blacks and whites, and to develop appropriate instruments for studying the factors so identified.

The proposed project will review the literature on

psychological attitudes and behaviors which may influence

121
the likelihood of fires occurring and which may Influence

the extent of loss due to fires. In addition the proposed

p reject will review educational programs which aim at reducing losses due to fire.

The researchers will become familiar with the programs

and data at the National Bureau of Standards and the U.S.

Fire administration. A review of current literature will

be made to identify psychological and behavioral factors

which can cause and/or prevent the likelihood of fires and

fire losses. The researchers will also review current

educational programs on fire prevention. A list of attitudinal, behavioral, and knowledge factors will be selected

for further study with the target population.

The review of the current literature will help to determine the demographic characteristics of the "fire prone"

population (e.g. - those involved in fires). This literature review should indicate some factors which seem to

increase the frequency of fires and fire losses. For example, it may be important to know the causes of fires,

the rural urban occurrences of the fires, the educational

and literacy level of the population, the average age of

household members, and the average number of children in

the household and their ages. Subsequently a survey research instrument will be developed which will include a

wide variety of questions related to relevant attitudes,

knowledge, and behaviors. After identifying the demographic characteristics of the "fire prone" population, it

may be necessary to prepare two survey instruments one for

children and one for adults. These instruments will be

prepared, pretested with appropriate samples and then revised if necessary. The project directors will develop a

research design to study the behaviors and attitudes of the

relevant population.

The results from the proposed plan of study will be

summarized and presented to the National Bureau of Standards in the form of a major research proposal designed to

obtain information on the significant psychological or behavioral factors which lead to extensive fire losses of

southeasterners . The data obtained from such a research

program will be valuable in designing educational programs

to decrease the losses incurred due to fires.

122
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution : University of California, Berkeley

Grant No .: NB 80 NADA 1064

Grant Title : Fire Propagation in Concurrent Flows

Principal Investigator : Professor A.C. Fernandez-Pello

Department of Mechanical Engineering

University of California

Berkeley, CA 9^720

Other Professional Personnel : C.-P. Mao, Ph.D. Candidate

J. Yoo, Ph.D. Candidate

NBS Scientific Officer: W.J. Parker

Technical Abstract

A research program has been undertaken to study experimentally and

theoretically the process of fire spread in gas flows moving in the

direction of fire propagation. The study concentrates on two characteristic modes of fire spread: a) Concurrent wall-ceiling fire spread in

free convection and b) fire spread in a concurrent forced flow. Experiments are presently being performed to measure the rate of fire spread

over the surface of thick combustible materials as a function of the

properties of the material and of the oxidizer gas flow. A theoretical

model of the process of concurrent flame spread has been developed. The

analysis provides a unified explicit expression for the rate of flame

spread in laminar flow configurations that accept a similarity

solution. The predicted flame spread rates for these particular flows

provide limits for the rates of spread in other non-similar gas flow

configurations. This theoretical model will be extended to include

radiation and turbulent flow. The experimental observations will be

used to define the basic character of the theoretical models and to

verify their predictions.

Analysis of Concurrent Modes of Flame Spread : A unified theoretical analysis of several modes of concurrent flame spread has been

developed during this past year. The analysis draws on the fact that

the different concurrent flame spread configurations have common general

characteristics, thus allowing a unified treatment of the problem. The

analysis makes use of a laminar boundary layer and flame sheet approximations to describe the gas flow and of an ignition surface temperature

to define the flame spread rate. By means of an isothermal wall con- dition, the gas phase problem is uncoupled from the solid phase and is

solved for each case using a similarity solution approach. The deduced

heat flux at the fuel surface is used as a boundary condition in the

solid phase analysis. The rates of spread of the pyrolysis and flame

123
fronts are obtained from the solution of the energy equation by imposing

the condition that the surface temperature at the pyrolysis front is

equal to the vaporization temperature of the fuel. The predicted dependence of the spread rate of the pyrolysis front on time and on the

thermodynamic and transport properties of the fuel and oxidizer is

V

P

(2n)

l-2n

2n

r X c^ B C F' (o) (}) (A,n) goo P

' ’ p

L (Ape) Mt - T )

t

l-2n

2n

where n is the similarity exponent, B is the mass transfer number and C

is related to the Grashoff or Reynolds mmibers for free and forced

convection, respectively. The present theoretical model will be used

as a basis for the development of a numerical analysis of the fire

spread process that will include radiation heat transfer and will con- sider the existence of turbulent flow conditions.

Experimental Measurements of Concurrent Fire Spread; During this

reporting period the experimental measurements have been limited to the

wall-ceiling configuration in natural convection. The results show that

there is a strong interaction between the two walls and that the spread

rate is dependent on the scale of the experiment, i.e., the length of

the walls. The existence of a ceiling surface retards the generation of

the convective flow on the vertical surface, while the existence of a vertical inflow is essential for the development of the ceiling gas

flow. Once the gas flow is established, the fire spreads at increasing

rates with time over the wall and ceiling. The spread of flames over

the ceiling is the result of the combustible being heated by the vertical pliame and is initiated well before the vertical pyrolysis front

arrives at the ceiling surface. The delay time of initiation of ceiling

spread and the rate of acceleration of spread depend on the length of

the vertical wall. While a longer wall delays the initiation of ceiling

spread, once it is initiated the spread is faster because of longer

preheating of the ceiling surface. For the experimental scales tested,

both the vertical and ceiling fire spreads appear to correlate with

power functions of time. The experiments on the wall-ceiling fire

spread will be continued during the next contract period concurrently

with the measurements of the fire spread rates in a forced convective

gas flow. During the present period, a laboratory scale wind tunnel has

been designed and constructed to study the spread of fire as a function

of the velocity, oxygen concentration and initial temperature of the

gas flow.

Reports and Papers

Mao, C.-P. and Fernandez-Pello , A.C.,

Free Burning Horizontal Fuel Siurface"

ing Eastern Section of the Combustion

Princeton, N.J., October I98O,

"A Boundary Layer Analysis of a Presented at the 19 80 Fall MeetInstitute, Princeton University,

124
Fernandez-Pello , A.C. and Mao, C.-P., "A Unified Analysis of Concurrent

Modes of Flame Spread" Accepted for publication in Combustion Science

and Technology. Also to be presented at the 20th ASME-AIChE National

Heat Transfer Conference, Milwaukee, WI, August 2-5, 1981.

125
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution ; University of California, Berkeley

Grant No ; NB81 NAHA 2038

Grant Title ; "Dynamics of Smoke and Inert Tracers Produced in

Porous Fuels"

Principal Investigator ; Professor Simon L. Goren

Department of Chemical Engineering

University of California

Berkeley, California 94720

Other Professional Personnel;

NBS Scientific Officer ; Dr. Thomas Ohlemiller

Technical Abstract

The objective of this research is to quantify the mass generation

rate and the size distribution of smoke aerosols produced by smoldering porous fuels. These variables are to be related to the chemical

and physical properties of the fuel and to the combustion conditions.

Since temperature, gas velocity and location of pyrolysis change

during the course of smoldering, the amount and other characteristics

of the emitted smoke also vary with time. Our approach to this

dynamic process is a coordinated theoretical and experimental study.

A theory of formation, transport and ageing of smoke within

porous fuels will be developed leading to a predictive model for the

rate of release and size distribution of smoke produced during smoldering. The model ultimately must combine principles of heterogeneous

chemical kinetics, transport phenomena in porous media, and aerosol

mechanics. In view of the complexity of smoldering, the model must

strike a balance between sophistication and workability. In our initial modeling efforts we will assume that the thickness of the

pyrolysis zone is much smaller than the distance the combustion gases

travel to reach the fuel's surface. With this assumption, the

physical processes of condensation, coagulation and deposition become

uncoupled to the chemical processes occurring in the pyrolysis zone. However, the combustion generated heat and condensable species rates

of release at the pyrolysis front, and the velocity of smolder

propagation, are needed inputs. The model of Dr. Thomas Ohlemiller

and coworkers will be adapted to give these inputs by including a kinetic term for condensables generation. The particle-size

population balance equation will be solved using reasonable expressions for particle growth rate, coagulation frequency factor, and

126
deposition rate guided by our concurrent experimental program. Attention will be directed at the possibility of finding self-preserving

size distributions, at least under restrictive conditions; this is

motivated by the great simplification introduced for self-preserving

size distributions and the fact that even when self-preserving con- ditions are not fulfilled, forcing a self-preserving spectrum often

gives reasonable results for less sensitive variables, such as the

total number and total volume of the particles.

Time dependent rates of release and size distributions of smoke

aerosols produced by smoldering porous fuels will be measured. The

fuel will be cellulosic insulation. Initial experiments will be

one-dimensional cocurrent or countercurrent smoldering with forced

air flow through the fuel. Later experiments will involve more

complex geometries such as the buoyant (free convection) plume above

a localized ignition source within the porous fuel. The location and

velocity of propagation of the pyrolysis front will be inferred from

t ime-temperature signals of thermocouples embedded in the fuel. The

smoke production rate will be measured at Intervals by weighing the

deposit captured on in-line filters. An on-line measure of smoke

concentration will be provided by a Sine lair-Phoenix Smoke and Dust

Photometer, Model JM-3000-AL. The size distribution of smoke will be

measured with a Royco Laser Particle Counter, Model 226 which is

capable of counting and sizing particles larger than 0.12 v® in

diameter. The maximum particle concentration for which the Royco

can be used is about 1.8 x 10^ particles/m^ ; consequently measurement

of the expected concentrations may require dilutions of 100 to 10,000

fold of the gases emerging from the fuel's surface. An important

part of the research will be the development and characterization of

a dilution procedure for concentrated, volatile aerosols. This work

will be done in collaboration with Dr. George Mulholland. Both the

virgin fuel and the charred remains will be carefully characterized

as to porosity, permeability to air flow, and aerosol particle

capture efficiency when challenged with dilute test aerosols or externally produced smoke. The fraction of the fuel lost by combustion

will be determined from the weight change.

The Information to be obtained on time dependent rates of production, size distributions and other properties of smoke aerosols

emitted from smoldering porous fuels is Important for improved fire

detection. A significant fraction of fire related deaths, injuries

and property losses are due to fires that originate as slow smoldering

combustion of porous fuels. Early and reliable detection of smolder

generated smoke could reduce these losses by enabling automated

countermeasures. Unfortunately, existing smoke detectors do not

adequately discriminate between smokes of different types, so that

now there is an unacceptably large percentage of false alarms. The

development of more reliable smoke detectors that would respond to

specific smoke "signatures" will be enhanced by this research. This

research also is important for the development of models for estimation of fire hazards. Smoke reduces visibility, making evacuation or

127
rescue more difficult. Inhaled smoke may have a debilitating effect

by inducing choking and a long term health effect as a carrier of

toxic chemicals. Smoke also alters the development of fire by modifying the heat transfer through radiation. All of the effects depend

on both the quantity and size of the smoke aerosol. Any modeling of

the smoke aerosol in the air spaces must have information on the source

term.

128
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution ; University of California, Berkeley

Grant No . ; NB80N0DA1072-Williamson-7/81

Grant Title : INTRALABORATORY EVALUATION OF A STANDARD ROOM FIRE TEST

Principal Investigator : Professor Robert Brady Williamson

507 Davis Hall

Department of Civil Engineering

University of California

Berkeley, California 94720 (415) 642-5308

Other Professional Personnel : Wai-Chlng Teresa Ling, Ph.D, Candidate

Fred L. Mowrer, Graduate Student

Fred L. Fisher, Development Engineer

NBS Scientific Officer: William J. Parker

Technical Abstract

This research program is an intra^laboratory study of a "Standard

Room Fire Test" which is currently being created by a working group

within the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) . Their

place of departure is the ASTM E603-77 "Guide for Room Fire Experiments"^ which discusses the choices available for such parameters as compartment design, ignition source, instrumentation, test procedure,

analysis of data, and reporting of results. The current draft of the

standard has a propane burner placed in the corner of a 2.4 x 3.7 x

2 .4 m (8 X 12 X 8 ft) compartment which has a single door and has been

lined on both walls and ceiling with the material to be evaluated. The

purpose of the test method is to evaluate the contribution of the speci- men to fire growth in the compartment and the potential for flashover.

There are measurements of temperature, heat flux, oxygen depletion, and

smoke density specified in the draft standard. In addition, visual

observations and photographic records are required for each test so that

the apparent spread of flame can be established as well as the documentation of other events. It is well known that this kind of test procedure is an effective method for evaluating wall and ceiling finish

materials in a preflashover environment. It will also be very useful

for validating small-scale tests and predictive models of fire growth.

The use of "intr^laboratory" in the title is to draw attention to

the process of test method development discussed by Wernimont^ and in

direct contrast to "int^rlaboratory" studies such as those discussed by

Mandel.^ An intr^laboratory study asks the questions:

1. Is there statistical control of the measurement process?

129
2 . Are the measurements performed during the test the most valid

for describing the "property" being evaluated?

3. How sensitive is the method to variations of operating conditions?

These and similar questions should normally be answered before the

int^rlaboratory comparisons of a test method are undertaken in which

"identical" specimens are tested in different laboratories.

This research program is an extension of the previous research

effort described in last yearns project summary. There has been a delay

in starting the experiments due to changes being made in the smoke hood

and the acquisition of instruments to measure oxygen depletion and the

concentration of CO in the exhaust gases. A list of the experiments is

given in Table I and they are scheduled to be completed by mid-July

1981.

TABLE I Room Fire Test Program*

University of California, Berkeley

Test

No

.

Wall

Material

Celling

Material Comments

1 Glass Fiber

Insulation

Glass Fiber

Insulation

Conduct 2 experiments to determine the contribution of

binder

.

2 Gypsum

Wallboard

Gypsum

Wallboard

Conduct 2 experiments to determine the contribution of

paper

.

3 Pl3Twood Glass Fiber

Insulation

4 Plywood Gypsum

Wallboard

See Tests 7 and 8.

5 Glass Fiber

Insulation

Plywood

6 Plywood Pl3Twood

78Plywood Gypsum

Wallboard

Two experiments to duplicate

Test 4 and also the effects of

H2 O in wood.

*NOTE: There are a total of 8 tests with multiple experiments on Tests

1 and 2

.
The experiments listed in Table I involve three types of wall and

celling finish materials. Two of them, glass fiber Insulation and gyp- sum wallboard, are non-combustible* while the third, plywood is com- bustible. The purpose of these experiments is to develop data for the

intra^laboratory study and for direct input into the ASTM task group

developing the standard test. The particular results of these experiments will provide insight by which to characterize:

"1. The existence of a definite relationship between the magnitude of the property and the test result; and,

2. The degress of Insensitivity of the test results to a) variations in other properties (which may be denoted as ’interfering properties') and, b) variations in environmental conditions." (Page 6 of Ref. 4).

The previous research on these materials shows rapid flashover for

situations where pl5rwood was used on the walls. ^ The average temperatures recorded 25 mm (1 in) below the ceiling for five previous experiments are shown in Fig. 1, and the occurrence of flashover is clearly

evident for those experiments. The use of multiple temperature plots,

as shown in Fig. 1, is a graphic way to demonstrate the difference in

the levels of performance between materials, and the sensitivity of the

test to the chosen experimental conditions. The sequence of Tests

C-167 through C-171 shown in Fig. 1 underscore the important effect the

size of the ignition source has on the draft standard. There was no ignition of the plywood celling in Test C-167 and it is evident from

Fig. 1 that the average temperature 25 mm (1 inch) below the ceiling

was essentially the same as in Test C-171 which had gypsum wallboard

throughout the compartment. In Test C-168, the plane of the burner was raised from 0.3 m (12 inches) to 0.87 m (34 inches) above the floor

which allowed the flames to impinge on the ceiling. This led to ignition of the ceiling after 3 minutes, 43 seconds, with flames emerging

from the door, 2 minute, 21 seconds later to signal flashover or full

involvement

.

The current draft standard increases the ignition source for a standard room fire test to 176 Kw (10** BTU/min [Gross]) as compared to

the 88 Kw ignition source used in Tests C-167 through C-171. This in- crease in the ignition source insures that flames will reach the ceiling, simulating a more severe fire scenario. If ceiling materials are

to be tested with different wall finishes, it is reasonable that the

larger ignition source be used so that the test relates to the more

severe condition. This year’s experiments, listed in Table I, will aid

the ASTM Task Group in making final choices regarding ignition source characteristics; and those experiments proposed for next year will further document ignition source characteristics by using the current 176

Kw ignition source. *Defining this term as the model building codes by ASTM E136^ and an allowance for the paper facers on the gypsum wallboard.

131
T

E

h

P

E

R

R

T

U

R

E

<F)

Fig. 1: Average Temperature Recorded 25 mm (1") Below the Celling of

the Room Test with an 88 Kw (5,000 BTU/mln) Methane Burner.

Note that the burner was moved in C-168 to that flame Impinged on the plywood ceiling

*Gypsum wallboard was placed in the corner behind the ignition source

in C-167 and C-168

132
References

1. Annual Book of ASTM Standards , American Society for Testing and

Materials, 1916 Race St., Philadelphia, PA.

2. Wernimont, G., "Careful Intr^laboratory Study Must Come First,"

ASTM Standardization News , 6, Dec. 1978, pp. 11-14.

3. Mendel, J., "Planning, Design, and Analysis of Inberlaboratory

Studies," ASTM Standardization News , Dec. 1978, pp. 11-13.

4. American Society for Testing and Materials, "ASTM Manual for Conducting an Intralaboratory Study of a Test Method," STP 335 , Philadelphia, PA 1963.

5. Williamson, R. B., and Fisher, F. L. "Fire Growth Experiments - Toward a Standard Room Fire Test," Presented at the Western States

Section, the Combustion Institute, Berkeley, CA, October 1979,

Paper No. WSS-79-48.

Reports and Papers

Williamson, R. B.^ Fisher, F. L., and Parker, W. J., "Fire Growth Experments - Toward a Standard Room Fire Test," submitted for publication

to Fire Technology .

133
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

University of California, San Diego

NBS Grant G8-9005

Studies of Flame Extinction in Relationship

to Fire Suppression

Professor Forman A. Williams

Department of Applied Mechanics

and Engineering Sciences

University of California, San Diego

La Jolla, California 92093

Currently Robert H. Goddard Professor

Department of Mechanical and

Aerospace Engineering

Princeton University

Princeton, New Jersey 08544

(609) 452-5271

Other Professional Personnel : Sia Sohrab, Graduate Student

Alvin S. Gordon, Adjunct Professor

NBA Scientific Officer

:

T. Kashiwagi

Technical Abstract :

The objective of this work has been to develop an improved understanding of mechanisms of fire suppression by studying flame extinction

in the presence of suppressive agents. The main suppressants considered

were nitrogen and halons. The principal configurations studied were the

downward propagation of premixed flames through quiescent mixtures con- tained in tubes and the counterflow diffusion flame produced by directing

an oxidizing gas stream, containing suppressant, downward onto the burning surface of liquid or solid fuel. Data included concentrations (obtained by sampling and gas chromatographic analysis), temperature profiles (measured with thermocouples), flame shapes, flame speeds, burning

rates, and extinction conditions. Results were interpreted on the basis

of a critical Damkdhler number of extinction. The plan was to apply

theory to extract overall chemical kinetic information under conditions

near extinction, to attempt to relate such information to chemical kinetic mechanisms underlying suppression, to ascertain differences in the

thermal, flow and kinetic aspects of extinction by the different agents,

and to develop theoretical descriptions of influences of radiant losses

on extinction in the counterflow diffusion flame.

Institution :

Grant No

:

Grant Title :

Principal

Investigator:

134
Most of the progress made during the past year concerns studies of

counterflow diffusion flames. Work on premixed flames, completed earlier,

appeared in the literature. The diffusion-flame studies concerned exT^

tinction of flames above polymeric fuels by addition of nitrogen to the

oxidizing stream, theory for influence of radiant heat loss on diffusionflame extinction and experiments on extinction of flames above liquid

fuels by addition of CF^Fr and HBr to the oxidizing stream.

Concerning polymers, extinction of flat diffusion flames in the

stagnation-point flow above the commercial materials poly (methyl methacrylate), polyoxymethyiene, polyethylene and polystyrene was studied.

The extinction data were used to obtain overall rate parameters for gasphase combustion of the fuels. Radiant heat loss from the surfaces of

the burning polymers was included in the theory from which these rate

parameters were extracted. It was found that such radiation corrections

were quite significant for polyethylene and polystyrene. Surface temperatures and surface regression rates vrere measured to aid in the radiation correction. These results were used in an Arrhenius T^type rate ex- pression to obtain overall activation energies for the thermal degradation of these polymers. Activation energies obtained for bulk degradation were 30, 25, 45 and 63 kcal/mole for poly (methyl methacrylate),

polyoxymethyiene, polyethylene and polystyrene, respectively. Best es- timates for effective heats of gasification were found to be 385, 630,

1000 and 475 cal/g for these polymers, in the same order, respectively.

Overall activation energies for gas-phase combustion, respectively, were calculated as being 40 ± 3, 44 ±5, 40-5 to 40 + 20 and 56 ± 10 kcal/mole.

Arrhenius graphs for these last values are shown in the figure, where

curves farther to the right correspond to higher gas-phase reactivities.

Concerning extinction theory, an asymptotic analysis was developed

for the influence of radiant loss from the flame zone on diffusion-flame

135
extinction. Matched asymptotic expansions were employed with the large

parameters being the temperature sensitivities of the rate of chemical

heat generation and of the rate of radiant heat loss. It was found that

typically there are zones of radiant loss on one or both sides of the

thin reaction zone and that steepening of the temperature gradient within

these radiant- loss zones enhances the tendency for extinction of the re- action to occur. Formulas were derived defining critical conditions for

flame extinction, including influences of radiant loss. The radiant loss

appears in these formulas mainly through the reduction in flame temperature that it produces. The critical condition for extinction remains

defined by a balance between the rate of heat generation in the reaction

zone and the rate of conductive loss of heat from that thin zone. The

ratio of a characteristic time for emission of radiation to a characteristic time for chemical heat release was identified as a Damkbhler num- ber based on radiant loss, but this parameter was found to be of questionable significance in diffusion-flame extinction.

Concerning diffusion- flame extinction with bromine-containing suppressants, measurements were made of extinction conditions for heptane

with molar ratios of CF^Br to N2 and of HBr to N2 in the oxidizing stream

fixed at 0.01, 0.02, 0.05 and 0.10. Reduction of the data according to

the theory based on a one- step reaction showed that the overall reaction

rate decreased and the overall activation energy increased as the bromine content increased. Correlation formulas were obtained for these

variations. Considerations of chemical kinetic mechanisms indicated that

the effectiveness of bromine-containing species in reducing overall rates

of heat release occurred in the wings of the reaction zone rather than in

the center. These considerations are being pursued further in efforts to

better rationalize the extinction observations.

The objective in extracting overall rate parameters was to enable

improved estimates of extinction conditions to be obtained in practical

situations. In a first approximation, extinction may be said to occur

at a critical flame temperature that varies somewhat as conditions are varied. The information developed in this program should help to provide a basis for calculating this variation, thereby improving accuracies

of extinction calculations. These results ultimately may afford improvements in techniques for fire suppression, derived from increased understanding of mechanisms of flame extinction, taking into account interactions between chemical kinetics, fluid flow and heat transfer.

Reports and Papers

Mitani, T., "Propagation Velocities of Two-Reactant Flames," Combustion

Science and Technology, 175-177 (1980).

Mitani, T. and Williams, F. A., "Studies of Cellular Flames in HydrogenOxygen-Nitrogen Mixtures," Combustion and Flame, 59 , 169-190 (1980).

Mitani, T. , "Asymptotic Theory for Extinction of Curved Flames with

Heat Loss," Combustion Science and Technology, 93-101 (1980).

136
Joulin, G. and Mitani, T. , "Linear Stability Analysis of Two-Reactant

Flames," Combustion and Flame, to appear (1981),

Williams, F. A., "A Review of Flame Extinction," Fire Safety Journal,

to appear (1981)

.

Sohrab, S. , Linan, A. and Williams, F, A., "Asymptotic Theory of Diffusion-Flame Extinction with Radiant Loss from the Flame Zone," Combustion

Science and Technology, submitted (1981)

.

Sohrab, S. and Williams, F. A., "Extinction of Diffusion Flames Adjacent

to Flat Surfaces of Burning Polymers," Journal of Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry Edition, submitted (1981).

137
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution ; University of Maryland

Grant No ; NB80 NADA 1067

Grant Title ; The Determination of Behavior Response Patterns in Fire

Situations, Project People II

Principal Investigator ; Dr. John L. Bryan, Professor and Chairman

Department of Fire Protection Engineering

University of Maryland

College Park, Maryland 20742

(301) 454-2424

Other t>rof essional Personnel ; Mr. James A. Milke, Research Assistant

Dr. Norman E. Groner, Research Assistant

NBS Scientific Officer ; Dr. Bernard Levin

Technical Abstract

The study Involves the identification and analysis of the behavior

patterns of building occupants in fire situations. Intensive in-depth

open-ended interviews were conducted with participants, supplemented

with a structured questionnaire. The interviews were conducted up to

June, 1980 by the research study personnel at the scene of the fire incident between one to four weeks following the fire incident.

The objectives of this research study were previously established

as follows;

1. To analyze the established variables of building occupants in

fire situations as these variables have been established and

identified in the previous Project People studies primarily

concerned with residential occupancies, and the health care occupancies, with some significant exceptions.

2. To attempt the evaluation of models of human behavior in these

fire incidents utilizing the premodel development concepts of

Archea or Withey, and to validate the conceptual modes of

Bickman, Edelman, and McDaniel, the computer model of Stahl,

and the egress model of Berlin.

3. To compare the analyzed scenarios, results and data to the

current edition of the Life Safety Code, and model building

codes

.

138
The 150 staff participants in this study were examined utilizing

an open-ended individual interviewing technique. These interviews were conducted by research study personnel from the Department of Fire Protection Engineering, University of Maryland. All study participants

have been identified only through the study variables and personal

anonymity has been assured.

The computer analysis of the human behavior variables concerned

with fire related training, education or the experience possessed by

the participants involved in the study population fire incidents has

been completed. The observed and documented behavior and actions during the fire incidents relative to the critical incidents of each fire

situation and the dynamic interaction between the behavior of the participants with the propagation of the fire and smoke within the building have been examined. The analyses of the behavior response patterns

of the participants and the psychological, sociological, educational

and related variables influencing the predisposition to the adopted

response have been elicited from the study populations and will be utilized in the model development and the model evaluation in the second

phase of this study.

Thus, the total interactional context of the individual, the cultural role variables, and temporal sequence and the critical indentified parameters of the fire incident will be analyzed as to the

modification of the outcome of the fire incident.

Another objective of this research study pertains to the development of a fire safety manual for the board and care home operators.

The manual will be developed to Include a series of step-by-step decision aids that will establish contributions toward the formulation

and implementation of a fire emergency plan suited to the specific

needs of the board and care home.

A portion of the fire safety manual specific chapters will be

developed providing Information and suggestions on important fire

safety topics for the board and care home operators.

The manual will be subjected to periodic review during its development by fire safety authorities from the University of Maryland, the

National Bureau of Standards and related associated professional organizations. This review will be designed to insure the manual effectively

and concisely addresses the critical information areas of estimating

the assistance and survival needs of the residents; determining minimal

staffing needs to provide reasonable evacuation of protection aids and

to minimize the life safety risk; developing realistic and effective

fire drill planning and practices; specifying the adequate and practical means of egress from all areas of the home, varying with time and area of fire origin; evaluating the refuge potentials of various areas

of the home for residents from the fire generated products of combustion.

Following completion of the fire safety manual in a preliminary

form the manual will be field tested by a sample of board and care home

139
operators to determine the adequacy of the content, the presentation

of the subjects, and the applicability of decision aids, and informational topics. The operators will develop or modify fire emergency

plans for their facility from the manual and will evaluate the functional efficiency of the plans in cooperation with personnel from the

local fire service organization responsible for the public fire protection of the facility.

The manual will receive final development following an examination

of the results of the field testing and evaluation, with a comprehensive

review by a panel of pertinent experts.

Reports and Papers

Bryan, John L. and James A. Milke, An Examination and Analysis of the

Dynamics of the Human Behavior in the Fire Incident at Wilson

Health Care Center on June 25, 1980 . College Park: University

of Maryland, Fire Protection Engineering, July 31, 1980.

Bryan, John L. , Philip J. DiNenno and James A. Milke, The Determination

of Behavior Response in Fire Situations, Project People II . Final Report - Incident Reports, August, 1977 to June 1980. College

Park: University of Maryland, Fire Protection Engineering,

August 31, 1980.

140
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution : University of Maryland

Grant No : NB80-NADA-101

1

Grant Title : An Investigation of the Water Quality and Condition of

Pipe in Existing Automatic Sprinkler Systems for the

Analysis of Design Options with Residential Sprinkler

Systems.

Principal Investigators : Dr. Harry E. Hickey

Department of Fire Protection Engineering

University of Maryland

College Park, Maryland 20742

Dr. James E. Alleman

Department of Civil Engineering

University of Maryland

College Park, Maryland 20742

Other Professional Personnel : James A. Milke

NBS Scientific Officer : J. O'Neil

Technical Abstract

The objectives of this study are defined as follows:

1. To investigate the potential effect of backflow of sprinkler

water into potable water;

2. To investigate the potential severity of the pressure reduction due to tuberculation in pipes in residential sprinkler

systems

.

The first objective is achieved by physical, chemical and biological analyses of water samples extracted from existing automatic sprinkler systems. The latter objective is accomplished by calculating the

Hazen-Williams 'C' coefficient associated with a measured water flow

rate and pressure differential along a sprinkler pipe. Specific

sprinkler systems and locations for sampling are selected to provide a wide variety of conditions for the project relative to the study parameters of pipe material, age, size and network configuration.

In particular, this study attempts to compare the quality of water

in sprinkler system pipes with that from the potable water supply for

the building. The detailed analyses allow relevant and significant

comparisons to be conducted to potentially assess the necessity for

backflow prevention in residential sprinkler systems. Comparison of

the calculated Hazen-Williams coefficient with the coefficient asso- ciated with new pipe facilitates an approximation of the degree of

tuberculation in the pipe. This result provides information to assess

141
the severity of pressure reduction as a function of time as affected

by the turberculation and thus to address the useful life of the pipe.

A total of 57 water quality tests and 19 flow tests have been con- ducted and analyzed. The project has been extended to perform more

detailed analyses of the condition of the pipe.

Reports and Papers :

Milke, James A. , "Preliminary Conclusions on the Water Quality and Pipe

Conditions of Existing Residential Sprinkler Systems," Presented

at the NFPA Fall Meeting, San Diego, California, November 18, 1980.

142
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution : The University of Maryland

Grant No, : NB81NADA2035

Grant Title : Theoretical Investigation of Large-Scale Turbulent

Pool Fires

Principal Investigator : Professor T. M. Shih

Department of Mechanical Engineering

The University of Maryland

College Park, MD 20742

Other Professional Personnel : Mr. Y. N. Chen

NBS Scientific Officer : Dr. Bernard McCaffrey

Technical Abstract

The present project is in its initial stage. It is proposed that

the large-scale turbulent pool fire be investigated using numerical

methods. Prior to investigating the turbulent characteristics of the

pool fire, the laminar small-scale "nonradlative" pool fire will be

numerically analyzed. It is believed that it is worthwhile to take a conservative attitude simply solving the set of partial differential

equations (in the cylindrical coordinates) governing the steady, laminar

and "nonradiative" pool fires. Therefore, the turbulence correlations

and the radiative-flux term are absent, and the combustion generation

terms can be eliminated using the Shvab-Zeldovich formulation. This

numerical problem remains nontrivial since, in both radial and axial

directions, the pressure gradients exist and the diffusion is of equal

strength (elliptic type)

.

143
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution ; The Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services

Systems, University of Maryland

Grant No

.

: NB80NADA1023

Grant Title : Psychometric Testing and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Principal Investigator : Roy A.M. Myers, M.D.

Director of Hyperbaric Medicine

MIEMSS

22 South Greene Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

Other Professional Personnel : Steven Linberg, Ph.D.

Dennis Jones, R.N.

Jeffrey T. Mitchell, M.S.

Lawrence Messier, M.S.

Byron Halpin

NBS Scientific Officer ; Merritt Birky, Ph.D.

Barbara Levin, Ph.D.

Technical Abstracts :

Psychometric Testing and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

For the past two years, the Maryland Institute for Emergency

Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) has been engaged in studying methods

of increasing the accuracy in the diagnosis of acute carbon monoxide

poisoning resulting from smoke inhalation. Twenty short psychometric

tests were Initially investigated and a final group of six tests

ultimately decided upon as being the basis of a 20 minute screening

test for toxic brain involvement. The traditional tests for diagnosis

of carbon monoxide poisoning (blood and alveolar air carbon monoxide

levels) were also utilized.

Blood carbon monoxide levels both pre and post treatment with

oxygen were noted. The psychometric testing score results both pre

and post oxygen treatment were noted and conclusions drawn from the

results

.

Fifty-nine patients were assessed in detail and 16 then excluded

because of other factors interf erring with the results. These factors

were alcohol intoxication, senility, mental impairment or emotional

distress

.

144
The scoring system was based on the number of errors in the six

tests. By plotting these errors and times on a graph (Table I) the

level of central nervous system impairment was determined. The

severity of the impairment was the indication to us as to the optimal

treatment of the patient, namely 100% oxygen by face mask or hyperbaric

oxygen therapy (Table II)

.

Of the tests used, the Benton Visual Retention test was the best

single predictor of carbon monoxide poisoning and the need for

aggressive oxygen therapy.

Psychometric evaluation provided a good correlation of carboxyhemoglobin levels and the patients’ mental impairment. During the

summer months we shall be developing normal standards which will then

be used as baselines for all future tests. This will then form the

basis of our future reports.

MINICO Alveolar Air Analyzer

MIEMSS continued to field test the MINICO (developed by Catalyst

Research Corporation, CRC) carbon monoxide analyzer until February of

1981. Unfortunately because of non compliance of the volunteers to

allow blood withdrawal only 47 breath/blood correlations were obtained.

These 47 results showed that the instrument was reading approximately

twice as high as it should. The instrument when exposed to temperature

extremes, was grossly inaccurate. Excess heat or cold caused inaccuracies. The members of the "Smoke Team" experienced much difficulty

with maintenance of zero as well as span calibration during the cold

winter months. CRC, after being made aware of these defects, began

conducting tests of their own. When the MINICO was stored and/or

exposed to an environment of less than 32 Fahrenheit for periods of

30 minutes or longer, the output of the mercurcy oxide batteries decreased by approximately 70%. After exposure to these conditions for

two hours, the output dropped to zero. The MINICO was however very

accurate when stored and used at constant room temperature.

Radio transmissions from the fire ground affected the MINICO ’s readings by causing the needle to shift to the right side of the gauge.

Distance helped to decrease the problem, but did not eliminate it. The

CRC has attempted to correct this problem by inserting a copper shield

in the instrument. However, it is still difficult to conduct tests at

the scene of a multiple alarm fire because radio transmissions are made almost continuously.

The clinical presentation of the smoke victim at times created a problem in the use of the MINICO. Victims could present with confusion,

incoherence, uncooperativeness and combativeness, or unconsciousness.

It was difficult to obtain full cooperation from this type of patient

and this made instrument usage difficult. Those victims who presented

with shortness of breath had difficulty with breath holding and blowing

up the balloon which offers a great deal of resistance.

145
C0

SCREENING

PROFILE c

03

VO1m o

-st <!

CM

CM .

tn

CM .

CM.

on

vO

CM ,

CM ozoMH

CJ> s

in 3

cn pii I CO

>|Q

CO CO CM W o o> 21 w 1 C3

CO

<u

r-t W)

CJ

03

<uc O

r-(

<U T3

!-•

O

cv

O

PO

vO

cn.

o. S m oz

CO

CO.

vD

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m

CMr» vo

vo. CO.

M

[I]

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146

Test I^

Test 2

Test 3

Test 4

Test 5

Test 6

DIVE

INDEX

Gen.

Orient.

Dig,

Span

Trails

Dig,

Syia.

Aphasia

Bl.

Design

(#

in.

Dysf,

R,
PATicrr COHb

BENTON

VISU.AL 3L0CK DESION

SEX ACE Pre Pose Prs Pest Pre Posi

M 21 35 0 16 18 4 5 H i3 34 2 - - - M 39 28 2 8 18 5 6 M 24 26.7 1.3 3 10 5 6 M 32 23 0 2 8 - - M 33 21 2.3 12 10 5 4

M 42 16.7 0 10 13 5 6 M 31 16.7 9.7 14 - 5 - M 27 13 1.8 18 - 6 - M 33 14.3 2.2 - - 5 -

T 33 10.5 7.4 10 - 3 - u 37 9.5 0 14 - 5 - M 32 9.4 0 18 - 6 -

31 3.5 3.5 16 - 5 - M 25 3.5 0 8 10 5 4 M 33 8.4 0 14 - 6 - X 24 8 0 4 2 1 3 F 60 9 5.5 14 8 5 4 X 42 6 W 6 6 5 6 V 27 5 0 12 - 5 - ? 43 5 0 14 4 T X 19 5 0 13 - 5 - X 21 5 0 15 - 6 -

F 5.7 0 20 - - -

F 25 5 0

- - - - M 23 5 0 12 - 4 - M 25 5 0 3 - - - F 19 5 0 12 - 6 - X 20 5 0 16 - 6 - X 24 5 0 16 - 6 - X 22 5 0 14 - - -

Vf 41 4.3 0 18 - 6 -

F 22 3.6 0 10 16 5 5 M 19 2.4 0 14 - 5 -

F 22 1.9 0 20 - 5 - X 31 1 0 2 8 1 3 M 25 0 0 12 - 5 - M 20 0 0 12 - 5 -

F 37 0 - 6 - 2 - M 25 0 - 13 - 6 - V 27 0 - 16 - - - M 52 0 - 20 - 6 - M 22 0 - 18 - 6

-

:<£Y

?T3 • ?r2 t reacTienc cesclns

Pose** Pose treacnenc casting

TRAILS Hv-)erD^ri2 TIME CALaXATIOMS TheraoV

or

Pre Pose Pre Pose

45 - 5 7 HBO

60 75 - - H20

90 64 6 7 HBO

90 60 3 5 R30

110 140 1 3 H30

120 60 7 8 0,, 4 hrs. - H3' aborted

110 120 5 4 HBO

60 - 8 - Oj# 4 hcs. 80 90 3 - 0,, 4 hrs. 90 - 7 - 0,. 4 brs. 90 - 3 - 0^, 2 hrs.

70 - 8 - Oj. m hrs.

72 - 3 - Oj, 2 hrs. 42 - 3 - -

120 140 3 3 0,. 1 hr. 60 - 6 - O^f ^ hrs. 40 90 1 3 Oj. 3 hrs. 60 90 5 5 O^, 4 hrs. 90 70 6 8 , 0,, 4 hrs.

58 - 8 - O

2

. 4 hrs. 90 - 7 - Oj, 4 hrs. 45 - 5 -

Oj* i hrs.

55 - 5 - 4 hrs. 90 - 8 - O^. 4 hrs. 100 - 3 - O^. 2 hrs. 85 - 7 - O^, 2 hrs. y5 - 6 - ^2' ^ 50 - 6 -

0^. 4 ars.

75 - - - O^, 4 5rs. 90 - 8 - 0,, 4 hrs.

31 - 6 - O^. 2 hrs.

75 - 6

- 0-, 4 hrs. 130 100 5 5 0,. I hr. 90 - 6 - 0-, 4 hrs. 60 - - - 0 ,.

2 hrs. 120 149 7 3 H30

45 - 7 - 0 ,.

4 hrs. 90 - 5 - Op. ^ 110 - 4 - 0,

36 - 3 - Oj. 4 -s.

78 - 8 - 0 ^. 14 hrs.

180 - 3 - 0,. 2 ers. 72 - 8

- 0,. 2 -rs.

147
CRC concluded that the MIMICO Model 250 could not be modified to

correct the existing problems and recommended the use of a second

generation MINICO. This is the Model 1000 which has the capability of

measuring up to 1000 parts per million of carbon monoxide. It is

powered by a 9 volt battery which is unaffected by extreme changes in

temperature. This particular model also provides a digital readout of

parts per million of carbon monoxide thereby eliminating guesswork in

the readout. The new model will be tested in the 1981/82 "smoke

season" and it is hoped that this will provide us with an accurate

means of field triage of smoke inhalation victims.

Unconscious Carbon Monoxide Victim with Zero Carboxyhemoglobin Level

The case histories of six patients have been studied where the

circumstantial evidence for carbon monoxide poisoning is overwhelming.

The first blood samples taken from these victims however revealed a zero carboxyhemoglobin level. It is believed that excessive time delays

between presentation and sampling resulted in these low levels. The

clinical presentation of unconsciousness remained until hyperbaric

treatment had been undertaken.

Three of the four victims were from automobile misadventures with

carbon monoxide leakage from faulty exhaust systems entering into the

driver/passenger area. The fourth victim suffered from carbon monoxide

as a result of a faulty heating system and two members of the family

involved with this patient, died with very high carbon monoxide levels.

Two victims were involved in faulty heating system in a warehouse. All

six victims were comatose on admission to hospital, requiring varying

degrees of cardiorespiratory support . Four patients recovered con- sciousness completely following their second hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Two patients regained full consciousness 48 hours later. It is

suggested that the carbon monoxide was acting as a central nervous

system toxic agent. With liberation from the tissues, the normal CNS

status returned. Psychometric testing of one of the victims at one year post accident surprlsingl57^ revealed diffuse central nervous system

abnormalities which were not evident to the family in general history

and examination.

A detailed description of the cases has been accepted for publication in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA).

Carboxyhemoglobin Falloff From Scene to MIEMSS

The smoke inhalation protocol is provided to field personnel to serve as a guideline for referral. As part of the protocol the EMT/CRT

in the field is to withdraw 5 millimeters of venous blood for later

carboxyhemoglobin analysis. He then treats the patient with the

highest concentration of oxygen possible. The venous blood sample

accompanies the victim to MIEMSS. Upon arrival at MIEMSS the victim

is resuscitated appropriately and concurrently a second blood sample is

obtained for carboxyhemoglobin analysis. A comparison is then made as

148
to the carboxyhemoglobin level at the scene and at MIEMSS. The duration

of time between sampling is estimated based on reports from the ambulance and inpatient records. By knowing the initial carboxyhemoglobin

level, a greater appreciation of the original insult is obtained. The

expected half-life elimination according to Peterson and Stewart^ is

320 minutes at 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA) breathing room air, 80

minutes at 1 ATA breathing 100% oxvgen and 23 minutes at 3 ATA breathing

100% oxygen. Pace, Strajman and Walker %, 45 minutes breathing 100%

oxygen at 1 ATA as the half-life.

The results of the half-life elimination in these 14 patients

indicate a 57.76 minute half-life on an oxygen breathing system of

approixmately 60%. This work will be repeated in detail in this coming

year

.

Reports and Papers

Myers, R.A.M., Mitchell, J.T., Messier, L.D., and Cowley, R A.:

Psychometric Evaluation in Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Submitted to

JAMA June, 1981.

Myers, R.A.M., Mitchell, J.T., Messier, L.D., and Cowley, R A.:

Psychometric Testing and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Abstract.

2nd. World Congress on Emergency and Disaster Medicine. Pittsburg,

June 1-3, 1981.

Myers, R.A.M. and Jones, D.W.: Carboxyhemoglobin Falloff from Scene

to Hospital. Abstract. Long Beach, California, June 8-10, 1981.

Myers, R.A.M. and Jones, D.W. : Field Evaluation of the MINICO Carbon

Monoxide Analyzer. Abstract. Long Beach, California, June 8-10, 1981.

Myers, R.A.M. and Baker, T.L.: Eight Years of Hyperbaric Oxygen

Therapy in the United States of America. Abstract. Long Beach,

California, June, 1980.

Myers, R.A.M. and Snyder, S.K. : The Unconscious Victim of Carbon

Monoxide Poisoning with Zero Carboxyhemoglobin Level. Abstract.

Long Beach, California, June 8-10, 1981. Accepted for publication

to JAMA.

149
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

INSTITUTION : University of Massachusetts

GRANT NO

.

: NBS Grant DAOOOl

GRANT TITLE : Waking Effectiveness of Household Smoke Alarm Detector

Devices

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR : Dr. E. Harris Nober, Professor

Department of Communication Disorders

122 Arnold House

University of Massachusetts

Amherst, MA 01003

OTHER PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL : Henry Peirce, Ed.D., Research Associate

Arnold Well, Ph.D., Research Associate

NBS SCIENTIFIC OFFICER : Richard W. Bukowski

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT

This is the second year of a three-year research project designed

to determine the waking effectiveness of household smoke detector

alarms

.

The first year was geared to obtain base-line data. First-year

results demonstrated that household smoke detector alarms generally

provided the required minimum of 85 dBA within a 10 foot radius and

that the primary peak energy concentration occurred at 4000 Hz with

a secondary peak at 2000 Hz. Data from reverberant and anechoic

chambers revealed similar distributions of energy output.

Subject waking latencies were obtained at 85, 70 and 55 dBA to

correspond with the maximum unobstructed alarm output, ear-pillow level

bedroom door open and ear-pillow level bedroom door closed, respectively.

Alarms were activated during sleep in a "quiet" mode, with an air

conditioner noise present and during waking while watching a video-taped

movie. Results indicated that subjects were generally awakened by the

alarms at all three intensity levels within one minute, although the

55 dBA group had problems with the air conditioner noise masking overlay. A pre- and post-alarm questionnaire also provided pertinent

additional data about attitudes and performance.

The objective for the second (current) year was to enlarge the

baseline data of waking effectiveness, but in this instance the actual

smoke detectors were installed in the household dwellings. Actually,

two household smoke detectors were installed in each of 40 households.

One was an AC unit wired so it could be activated remotely by an RF

signal at a predetermined date. The second unit was battery-operated

150
and would activate if a fire actually occurred during the experimental

waiting period; therefore, subjects were advised to evacuate accordingly.

The detector units were stationed in the dwellings from 4 weeks to 13

weeks prior to activation. Subjects were not aware of the activation

date nor the targeted time of night, i.e., between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Experimental variables included type of household dwelling construction,

households with children vs. households without children, male vs. female, and adults vs. children.

Responses to the alarm activation included turning on a light when

awakened and evacuation of all household occupants present that night

regardless of the relationship to the household. Subjects were requested

to assume there was a fire and exit with the upmost dispatch. A stopwatch was used to obtain the evacuation latency for each subject (interval from the instant the alarm was activated to the instant the subject

stepped outside the predesignated exit door). The contact representative

from each household also completed pre- and post-alarm questionnaires.

Preliminary results of the evacuation latency raw data (not yet

treated statistically) were as follows:

Type of

Dwelling

Type of

: Family

j- Apartment i House

i -

li . .

I with ; with

I children* | children*

Apartment

without

children*

House

without

children*

Houses & I Apartments

,

• I total experit

mental pop. j Average | Evacuation j Time ( sec .

)

j

I

' 46.7 sec. , 49.7 sec. ' 49.9 sec. 47.6 sec. 48.5 sec.

*Children are considered to be 11 years of age or younger.

Hence, it appears from these preliminary unanalyzed raw data that

households can be evacuated within a minute from when an alarm is

activated in the middle of the night when occupants are asleep.

REPORTS AND PAPERS

Nober, E. Harris, Charles C. Johnson, Henry B. Peirce, Arnold D. Well

and Charles E. Clifton, "Waking effectiveness of household smoke detectors," Poster session, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association,

Annual Convention, Detroit, Michigan, November 21-24, 1980

Nober, E. Harris, "Human Behavior in Fire/Waking Effectiveness," National

Fire Protection Association, Annual Meeting, Dallas, Texas, May 18, 1981.

Nober, E. Harris, Henry Peirce and Arnold Well, "Acoustic Spectral

Characteristics of Household Smoke Detector Alarms," Fire Journal,

May, 1981.

Nober, E. Harris, Henry Peirce and Arnold Well, "Waking Effectiveness

of Household Smoke and Fire Detection Devices," Fire Journal , July, 1981.

151
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution : The University of Michigan

Grant No . : NBS Grant NB80NADA1054

Grant Title : Degradation of Mechanical Properties of Wood During Fire

Principal Investigator : Professor George S. Springer

Department of Mechanical Engineering

and Applied Mechanics

The University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109

Other Professional Personnel: P.V. Farrel, Ph.D. candidate

A.C. Loos, Ph.D. candidate

R.M. Dastin, undergraduate student

D.R. Humphries, undergraduate student

NBS Scientific Officer: W. Parker

Technical Abstract :

The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the decrease in

mechanical properties of wood and wood assemblies exposed to fire. In

order to achieve this objective tests are being performed measuring

the thermal response as well as changes in the mechanical properties of

wood exposed to flames or to a radiant heat source. In conjunction with

the tests a model is also being developed for describing the behavior

of wood exposed to high temperature environments.

The first series of tests was performed with redwood. Specimens

were exposed to flames and the mass (weight) loss of the specimens and

the decrease in ultimate tensile strength parallel to the grain were

measured. A correlation was established between the change in tensile

strength and the mass loss.

Following the preliminary tests with redwood, tests were conducted

measuring the thermal and mechanical responses of southern pine exposed

to high temperatures. The southern pine specimens were placed in a temperature controlled oven and the weight (mass) losses of the specimens

and the centerline temperatures were recorded as a function of time.

The oven temperatures were 200, 400, 600, and 800C. The specimens were

4 inches long and 1 inch wide. Specimens of different thicknesses were

used, the thicknesses being 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch and 1 inch. Ten

specimens were used at each condition. Accordingly, a total of 160

specimens were used in these tests. The weight loss and the thermocouple data were compared to the results of the analytical model. Good

agreement was found between the data and the results of the model, lending confidence to the model.

152
Tensile, compression, and shear specimens were also placed in the oven at 400, 600, and 800C. The specimens were kept in the oven for

a predetermined length of time. The strengths and the moduli in the

directions both parallel and normal to the grain were then measured at room temperature. Attempts are now being made to establish correlations

between the measured mechanical properties and other parameters such as mass loss, char layer thickness, and temperature distribution inside the

wood.

In addition to the testing, an analytical model is being developed

to simulate the response of wood to fire exposure. The specific goal in

constructing the model is to describe changes in the thermal and mechanical properties and, most importantly, to predict the time of failure.

The model is based on the law of conservation of energy, with the chemical reactions being represented by a single step Arrhenius bulk reaction. On the basis of this model a computer code was developed which

provides the following parameters as a function of exposure time:

a) temperature distribution inside the wood, b) mass loss as a function

of position, and c) thickness of the char layer. The computer code can

be applied to both one-directional (slab) and two-dimensional (rectangular cross-section) geometries. As noted above, the results generated by

the model were found to be in good agreement with data.

At the present time the strength and modulus data together with the

von Mises failure criterion for anisotropic materials are being incorporated into the model. The resulting computer code will yield

a) the changes in strengths and in moduli as a function of exposure

time, and b) the time of failure. The times of failure predicted by

the model will be compared to data generated using thick (2 in by 2 in)

specimens. Work is now in progress measuring the strengths and the

moduli at elevated temperatures, without allowing the material to cool

to room temperature after the high temperature exposure. In these tests

the load will be applied and data will be taken while the specimens are

at elevated temperatures.

Reports and Papers

Pering, G.A., and Springer, G.S., "Decrease in Tensile Strength and

in Mass of Burning Wood," Fire Technology, 16, 245 (1980).

153
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution : University of Montana

Grant No: NBS Grant G8-9011

Grant Title : Ignition and Fire Spread of Cellulosic Materials

Principal Investigator : Professor Fred Shafizadeh

Wood Chemistry Laboratory

University of Montana

Missoula, MT 59812

(406) 243-6212

Other Professional Personnel : William F. DeGroot

NBS Scientific Officer : Dr. William Earl

Technical Abstract

Objectives

The objectives of this project are to investigate the chemical mechanism and kinetics of smoldering combustion and to determine the effects

of inorganic additives in order to provide a chemical description of

the processes involved in ignition and fire spread in cellulosic materials.

Experimental Approach

It has been shown that smoldering combustion of cellulosic materials involves (a) pyrolysis of the substrate to provide a highly re- active pyrophoric char, (b) chemisorption of oxygen on the fresh char,

and (c) gasification of the char from sites containing chemisorbed

oxygen, resulting in the creation of new active sites.

The pyrolysis and chemisorption have already been investigated and

experimental work has been focused on various additives, in order to

show how they could affect the above reactions and ultimately inhibit or enhance the smoldering process. This investigation was carried out

by determining the effect of various additives on the char properties,

including yield, surface area and free spin concentration; the kinetics

of oxygen chemisorption; and gasification, including kinetics of CO and

CO2 production and the rate of heat release which provides the driving

force for propagation of the smoldering.

Results

A series of chars was prepared by pyrolyzing cellulosic fabric

154
treated with different additives at 550°C. Table I shows (1) the

effect of these additives on the char yield; (2) char surface areas determined by CO2 adsorption at room temperature; (3) relative unpaired

spin concentration determined by ESR spectroscopy; (4) Elovich kinetic

parameters for oxygen chemisorption; (5) gasification rate constants,

calculated for 750°C from Arrhenius kinetic parameters determined by

isothermal gasification experiments; and (6) the rate of heat release,

calculated from the heats of formation of CO and CO2

. It is apparent

from these data that pre-pyrolysis addition of inorganics has very

little effect on the surface areas of the chars, all of which fall

between 300 and 400 m^/g. On the other hand, the unpaired spin con- centration varies widely between treatments and correlates very well

with the pre-exponential Elovich kinetic parameter, a, which indicates

the reactivity of the char towards oxygen according to the equation:

dq/dt = a exp(-jbq)

where q is the amount chemisorbed and a and b are constants.

These data in turn correlate with the rates of gasification and

the rates of heat release which provide the driving force for propagation of smoldering.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the unpaired spin concentration

in chars formed at 550°C correlates very well with the rate of CO2

production calculated at either 500° or 750°C. Since the heat pf g02

formation is considerably larger than that fog* CO formation = -88.5 kcal/mole for CO

2

, as compared to = -22.9 kcal/mole for

CO formation), this correlation is significant in terms of the predominance of CO

2

formation in determining heat release and propagation of

smoldering combustion.

These data demonstrate the effect of the additive in altering the course of the pyrolysis reactions and the resulting reactivity of the

char. Further effects could also be expected to occur through catalysis of the solid phase combustion reactions by processes such as oxygen transfer, which has been demonstrated for a wide variety of inorganic materials in the combustion reactions of coal and graphite.

Similarly, additives such as the phosphate or borates could inhibit

the combustion reactions by competing with oxygen for active sites or

by coating the surface with a glassy residue.

In order to determine the extent of these modes of inhibition or catalysis, chars prepared from untreated cellulose were ground with

additives, heated to about 300°C in H

2 , cooled under N

2 to 207°C, and

then exposed to O2 ; then the reactivity of the chars toward oxygen

chemisorption was determined. The results are summarized in Table II.

The data from Elovich kinetic parameters are similar for all additive treatments, indicating that the effect of the additives on the

combustion reactions is much less important than their effect on the

pyrolysis reactions, which gives rise to a wide range of chemical

155
functionality and reactivity. However, the extent of the solid phase

catalysis may depend on the reaction of the additive with carbon during

pyrolysis; thus further work is required to demonstrate conclusively

the nature and extent of this mode of catalysis or inhibition.

The effect of sulfur is more complex and harder to determine be- cause it evaporated during the pyrolysis process. Exposure of the char

to a stream of sulfur vapor indicates that ft may adsorb on char and

interfere with free spin concentration to produce an inhibitory effect.

The transition metals which could catalyze the oxygen transfer are also being investigated.

Conclusions

Prepyrolysis addition of inorganic materials to cellulose can,

depending on the additive, result in either inhibition or enhancement

of the subsequent combustion reactions. These additives have very

little effect on the surface areas of the char, but dramatically

affect the chemical functionality or "active surface area", particularly the unpaired spin concentration. This in turn correlates well

with the rates of both oxygen chemisorption and gasification reactions,

suggesting that free radical sites play a critical role in controlling

the combustion behavior of cellulosic chars. Catalysis by oxygen transfer or other mechanisms does not appear to be a significant factor.

Reports and Papers

1. Bradbury, A.G.W. and F. Shafizadeh, "The Role of Oxygen Chemisorption in Low Temperature Ignition of Cellulose", Combustion and Flame,

85, (1980).

2. Bradbury, A.G.W. and F. Shafizadeh, "Chemisorption of Oxygen on Cellulosic Char", Carbon , 18 , 109 (1980).

3. Shafizadeh, F., A.G.W. Bradbury, W.F. DeGroot and T.W. Aanerud,

"The Role of Inorganic Additives in the Combustion of Cellulose", submi tted to Industrial and Engineering Chemi stry/Product Research and

Development .

4. Shafizadeh, F., A.G.W. Bradbury, and W.F. DeGroot, "Formation and

Reactivity of Cellulosic Chars", presented at Western States Section/

The Combustion Institute, Pullman, Washington, April 13-14, 1981.

5. Shafizadeh, F., "Introduction to Pyrolysis of Biomass", Proceedings,

Specialist Workshop on Fast Pyrolysis of Biomass, SERI/CP-622-1096.

Copper Mountain, Colorado, Oct. 19-22, 1980.

6. Shafizadeh, F., "Chemistry of Pyrolysis and Combustion of Wood",

International Conference on Residential Solid Fuels, Oregon Graduate

Center, Portland, Oregon, June 1-4, 1981.

156
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157
Table II. Elovich kinetic parameters for oxygen chemisorption at 207°

for chars ground with inorganic additives (approximately 10%

of additive)

.

Elovich Kinetic Parameters

Additive a b

NaCl

NaoB^Oy

Untreated

(NH4)2HP0^

H3BO3

0.22^0.05

0.30t0.07

0.32^0.06

0.35+0.01

0 . 20+ 0.02

2.29+0.20

2.48+0.03

2.13+0.04

2.00+0.04

2.06+0.01

500 750

.75

.50d{C0^)

dt max, 750

.25

O

Fig. 1. Correlation between maximum rate of CO

2 production at 500°

and 750°C and unpaired spin concentration in chars prepared

from treated cellulose fabric samples (HTT 550°C).

158
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution ; The University of Notre Dame

Grant No . : NBS Grant NB81NADA2000

Grant Title ; Computer Modeling of Aircraft Cabin Fire Phenomena

Principal Investigators ; Professor K. T. Yang

Professor J. R. Lloyd

Professor A. M. Kanury

Department of Aerospace and Mechanical

Engineering

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN 46556

Other Professional Personnel ; K. Satoh, Research Associate

H. S. Kou, Ph.D. Candidate

X. Y. Zhong, Ph.D. Candidate

NBS Scientific Officer; Dr. Walter Jones

Technical Abstract ;

The overall objective of this study is to simulate the aircraft cabin

fire phenomena by means of a differential field model computer code

UNDSAFE for the purpose of better understanding the dynamics of fire and

smoke spread in aircraft cabins. Various scenarios relative to the fire

source, seating arrangement, and venting in a designated aircraft cabin

form the base for the present study. The following is a listing of

progress that has been made during the current grant period.

1. UNDSAFE Code Modification

The original UNDSAFE computer code was developed for fire and smoke

spread in essentially empty two-dimensional compartments with venting.

The unique requirement for the aircraft cabin problem with the presence

of seats on the floor of the cabin dictated some modifications of the

basic code. This effort has been carried out and the computer code is

now fully operational to deal with the detailed two-dimensional cabin

geometry. Two seat configurations can now be accommodated; solid seats

reaching all the way to the floor and seats with an opening between the

seat bottom and the floor. In addition, to make the code more useful,

smoke movement based on spices convection and diffusion has been incorporated to allow for the simultaneous computations of the flow, temperature, and smoke concentration fields. The smoke concentration results

can now be used to compare with light transmission data in experimental

measurements.

159
2. Numerical Simulation of NASA/FAA/UDRI Cabin Fire Test

A series of cabin mock-up fire tests was conducted at the NASA Johnson Space Center to produce test data useful to verify the DACFIR zone model developed at the University of Dayton Research Institute under the

FAA sponsorship. Test 3-B has been specifically chosen as a base for

comparison with the results of the numerical simulation study. The test

phenomena are three-dimensional, and to simulate them with a twodimensional code requires adjustments of simulation parameters. In view

of the large number of parameters Involved, any reasonable simplification

is desirable. While the UNDSAFE code, modified for the aircraft cabin

geometry, is fully capable of handling ceiling heat losses and unsteady

fuel weight loss rates at the burner, we have chosen to limit the com- parisons of the numerical results with the experimental data at the 60

second point from the initiation of the fire, so that the ceiling heat

loss can be neglected and the fuel weight loss rate can be taken to be a constant. By doing so, this simulation study can be simplified to con- centrate on more important parameters such as the heat load, the fire

shape, the doorway height, and the level of turbulence in the test cabin.

The simulated aircraft cabin consists of a long compartment with two

doorways at the two end walls and a heat source on the floor at the mid

section. Altogether 27 simulation runs have been carried out on the

computer for a variety of the simulation parameters mentioned above. No

attempt has been made to achieve a perfect agreement between the numerical results and the experimental data, particularly in view of several

uncertainties in the experimental measurements. The specific objective

here is to demonstrate that the two-dimensional UNDSAFE code is capable

of predicting the overall trends in the gas dynamic, temperature and

smoke behaviors in the cabin as a result of the fire on the floor, and

that ranges of the various two-dimensional geometrical and thermal loading parameters, which have a realistic correspondence to the real

phenomena, can be determined. A second objective here is also to demonstrate the sensitivity of each of the parameters so that the more important effects for the overall cabin fire can be delineated.

Computer runs to determine the two-dimensional equivalence of the

test phenomena show that the heat load is to be Increased about 50%,

while the door height is to be reduced approximately 30%. Even more

important is the shape of the simulated volumetric heat source. In order

to achieve reasonably close temperature distributions in the cabin, the

simulated fire source should have a simulated flame height about 3 times

that of the fire base. This is in line with what may be expected in a real fire.

The corresponding sensitivity studies show several interesting results. The fire strength primarily affects only the temperature level in

the upper levels of the cabin, while the lengthwise temperature variation

remains essentially unaffected. The energy strength distribution within

the fire shape is found closely related to the distribution of layers of

heat gases. The effect of the soffit height at the doorways is essentially limited to the region close to the doorway, which is the same

160
region where three-dimensional behaviors predominate. The effect of

turbulence levels on the temperature field is essentially in regions

away from the fire source. Higher levels of turbulent viscosity implies

higher degrees of mixing, and consequently the whole cabin enclosure is

involved in both momentum and energy transfer at an earlier time after

the fire initiation. As a result, the doorways will make their presence

felt also at an earlier time for higher turbulence levels.

3. Numerical Simulation of Aircraft Cabin with Seats

Early in the present study, it has become apparent that when seats

are present in the cabin and fire is initiated close to these seats, there

is a high probability that the seat surface temperature may exceed the

ignition temperature so that additional heat may be added to the flow in

the cabin. To accommodate such a scenario, the UNDSAFE code has been

further modified to allow for additional heat generation when any surface

element of the seats reaches a prescribed temperature level.

This simulation study treats a section of a typical wide-body aircraft cabin with six rows of high-back seats. The cabin front has a doorway and the cabin rear has a window or opening. The ceiling loses

heat to the environment by convection. Six simulation runs have been

carried out on the computer until steady state conditions are achieved.

They deal with two different fire scenarios. In one, the fire in the

form of a volumetric heat source is initiated between the third and

fourth rows of seats, and a smoke source is also added at the same location. In the other scenairo, a simulated fire with a flame height

approximately three times of the fire base and a flame strength distribution similar to that of the preceding study is located between the

doorway and the first row of seats. For each of the two fire scenarios,

three computer runs have been carried out for the following three seat

configurations: no seats, solid seats reaching the floor, and seats with

opening above the floor. The case of no seats is chosen to simulate the

condition along the center isle of a wide-body commercial airliner.

Results of the calculations may be briefly discussed as follows: The

regions between any two rows of seats, other than that where the fire

source is located, are relatively stagnant, and the smoke penetration into these regions from the hot ceiling layer is greatly impeded by the

presence of seat backs. This is particularly the case for solid seats

reaching the floor, and suggests the merit of having high seat backs to

discourage smoke penetration into the passenger seat area. On the other

hand, the temperatures in the fire region are much higher for the case of

solid seats as compared to that of seats with open bottom. In the latter

situation, the low temperature gas feeds along the cabin floor into the

seating areas to reduce the temperature there. It is not surprising to

find that for the case of solid seats, the seat surface starts to burn

much earlier than that of the open seat case.

In the fire scenairo where the fire is located in front of the first

row of seats, a strong cross flow along the cabin length results from the

unimpeded buoyancy due to the free standing fire close to the doorway.

161
This strong shear flow carries and deposits the smoke throughout the

cabin, except in a small region close to the rear opening above the

floor, and the seats do not appear to provide as good a protection from

smoke as that in the other fire scenario.

4. Pressure Distribution Around an Intact Fuselage Immersed in the

Flame of a Burning Pool of Spilled Fuel

The objective of this specific task is to determine the pressure

distribution around a circular cylinder (fuselage) as a function of the

prevailing wind and the turbulence field near the ground, location and

strength of the fire, and the elevation of the cylinder. The modification

of the two-dimensional UNDSAFE code to accommodate a cylinder situated

horizontally above the ground with a heat source (fire) of width twice

the cylinder diameter adjacent to the cylinder has just been initiated.

During the current grant period, preliminary computer runs will be

carried out to assure the efficiency, stability and accuracy of the calculations by the modified UNDSAFE code.

Fire hazard is an inherent scenario in survlvable post-crash accidents

for aircrafts, and it is generally recognized that loss of life can be

reduced where fire and smoke spread phenomena in such aircraft cabin are better understood and can be adequately predicted in advance. Research

efforts in the area of mathematical fire modeling as applied to the cabin

fire phenomena specifically addresses this problem by the development of

fire models such as zone models and field models. The present study

deals with a specific field model for the aircraft cabin fire problem.

Reports and Papers

1. Satoh, K. , Lloyd, J. R. and Yang, K. T., "Turbulent Buoyant Flows and

Smoke Layers in a 2-D Rectangular Compartment with Vertical Vents,"

Paper presented at the 1980 Fall Technical Meeting of the Eastern

Section of the Combustion Institute.

2. Satoh, K. , Yang, K. T., and Lloyd, J. R. , "Ventilation and Smoke

Layer Thickness Through a Doorway of a Cubic Enclosure with a Central

Volumetric Heat Source," Paper presented at the 1980 Fall Technical

Meeting of the Eastern Section of the Combustion Institute,

162
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution : Graduate School of Public Health

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA 15261

Grant No. : NB79NADA0009

Grant Title : Toxicity of Plastic Combustion Products

Principal Investigator : Yves Alarie, Ph.D.

Professor

Department of Industrial Environmental

Health Sciences

Other Professional Personnel : K.L. Wong, Ph.D.

Research Associate

NBS Scientific Officer : M.M. Birky, Ph.D.

Technical Abstract

The toxicity of smoke emitted from polymers, synthetic or natural,

is being investigated using a variety of animal models. We have

developed models which permit evaluation of the effect of the smoke for

specific effects relevant to a fire situation. These animal models

detect the following effects of smoke:

1. Sensory Irritation: how irritating to the eyes, nose and

throat the smoke is and how this can impede escape.

2. Pulmonary irritation: how irritating the smoke is to the

lung and possible acute lethality from this effect.

3. Asphyxiation: how the smoke can induce this effect which

will obviously prevent escape from fire.

4. Acute lethality: how the smoke can kill within a specified

period of time.

We are now involved in two main areas:

1. Development of a method which can be used for evaluation of

pulmonary irritation due to smoke inhalation and evaluation of

recovery, if any, of pulmonary function following exposure.

2. Evaluation of recovery following exposure to CO or HCN and what

kind of treatment is most effective as well as evaluating

whether or not there is a residual effect from such exposures.

163
During the last year, we have proposed a toxicological classification for smoke from polymers as presented in figure 1. In this

approach, Douglas fir was set as a standard and all other materials com- pared to it. We asked the questions how much polymer is needed to cause 50% mortality within a planned 30 minutes of exposure and how long

does it take to produce this 50% mortality in comparison to Douglas Fir.

From figure 1 a variety of polymers can be compared for the amount

required and the time required. Also both amount and time can be combined to arrive at 4 classifications. A, B, C and D. This approach

seems to be a reasonable one for rapid evaluation of polymers and comparison to Douglas Fir. Obviously reference materials other than

Douglas Fir can be used when desirable.

Reports and Papers (this year)

Alarie, Y. and Anderson, R.C. Toxicologic classification of thermal

decomposition products of synthetic and natural polymers. Toxicology

and Applied Pharmacology. 181-188, 1981

Alarie, Y., Anderson, R.C., Stock, M.F., Dombroske, R.L., Keller, L.W.,

Hayduk, L.W. and Park, R.E. Toxicity of thermal decomposition products

an attempt to correlate results obtained in small scale with large scale

tests. Journal of Combustion Toxicology 8, 58-68, 1981.

Alarie, Y. Toxicology evaluation of airborne chemical irritants and

allergens using respiratory reflex reactions. In: Symposium on Inhalation Toxicology and Technology. B.K.J. Leong, Editor, Ann Arbor

Science Publishers. Should be in press next September/October.

Alarie, Y. and Anderson, R.C. Toxicologic classification of decomposition products of synthetic and natural polyners. The Toxicologist,

Volume I, page 8, Abstract. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the

Society of Toxicology, San Diego, CA, March, 1981,

164
CONCENTRATION - RESPONSE

i MUCH MORE MORE TOXIC AS TOXIC

• TOXIC THAN THAN WOOD AS WOOD

i WOOD

l.O 10.0 100.0 1000.0

I

I 1 1 Mill—I I 1 1 iiii|—I I 1 1 1 iii|—I' rrm iii GRAMS

I I I I Hill I III mil I I I I Iiiii I I I I Mill

Fig. 1. Each point represents the amount of material (gram on the X axis) which produced

sufficient smoke to kill 50% of the animals (LC50) and the time (minutes on the Y axis) required to

kill 50% of the animals (LT50) using that amount of material. Reading the graph vertically each material is classified in terms of potency while each material is classified in terms of onset of action by

reading horizontally. To combine both, parallel quadrants separate class A, B, C, and D.

Figure 1

165
CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Institution : The University of Washington

Grant Number : DA1053

Grant Title : "Post-Fire Interviews: Development and Field Validation"

Principal Investigator : Dr. John P. Keating

Department of Psychology NI-25

College of Arts and Sciences

University of Washington

Seattle, Washington 98195

Co-Principal Investigator : Dr. Elizabeth F. Loftus

Other Professional Personnel : Michele Manber, Research Associate

NBS Scientific Officer : Dr. Bernard Levin

Technical Abstract :

This project is an ongoing development and field validation of a new

interview technique for use with witnesses and victims of fires. The

potential advantages of this technique are its 1) efficiency; 2) resulting in yielding readily quantifiable data; 3) adaptability for use with large and small numbers of witnesses of various sized fires and

types of occupancy, especially residential fires; and 4) relative

resistance to the biasing effects which usually limit conventional

interview or questionnaire methods.

The method employs a two-step procedure where the witness first provides

an uninterrupted narrative account of his/her actions during the fire.

During this part of the Interview the Interviewer only attempts to

keep the person focused on the fire he/she has witnessed, and refrains

from asking any questions pertinent to the account. The purpose of

this relatively unstructured narration is to allow the witness to re- create the fire in his/her own terms, without any threat to his/her

credibility, nor the insertion of questions which may minimize or truncate Important aspects of the witness account.

When the first narration is completed, the Interviewer then obtains

a second account of the Incident, but this time forcing the witness to

adopt a predetermined structure. The structure breaks the narrative

account down into a continuous sequency of discrete actions, from the

first awarness of the fire to the final actions taken by the witness

in relation to the fire. The interviewer aids the witness in creating

a statement about each discrete action he/she took during the fire

incident

.

166
Each statement describing a discrete action is composed of four elements

1) a situational or cognitive cue which elicited a behavioral response

from the witness, 2) a behavioral response to that cue, 3) using

what instrument (if any was used) , and 4) a reason why such an action was taken. The third component, instrument used, was added to the

structure of the interview for the current phase of the project to

satisfy a problem identified during the previous phase of research.

It has been seldom used, but when used, provides interesting insight

into the behavioral episode.

An example of one such discrete action would be the following: 1) I saw smoke seeping from under the apartment door, 2) so I opened the

door, 3) with my pass key, 4) to see if there was a fire.

The advantages of such behavioral sequencing are several* 1) The witness is closely tied to the actual behaviors he/she emitted during

the fire, and is not allowed to Insert irrelevant, distracting information into the account; 2) The sequence of behaviors can be easily

charted, and patterns of similar behavior detected as responses to

fire, which in turn lend themselves to further analysis relative to

demographics, type of fire, extent of fire, etc.; 3) Lacunae in

sequences can be determined during the Interview, and additional

probing about such holes (potentially critical incidences) in the

account can be conducted by the interviewer; 4) Potentially this

technique can be employed by on-line fire investigators which would

both overcome the critical problem of delay between Incident and

recounting of the incident, as well as facilitate establishment of an adequate volume of standardized witness accounts to allow generalization about behaviors during fires.

The technique is currently being tested in the field, while parameters

related to the interviewing process are being examined in the laboratory. When relevant, laboratory findings will be incorporated into

the technique for field validation during actual interview situations.

Phase one of this project was completed in winter, 1980, with the

theoretical development of the technique and the conduction of pilot

Interviews with witnesses to thirty residential fires within Seattle.

Phase two of this project will be completed in summer of 1981. It has

consisted of forty-five structured interviews of witnesses to thirty- seven fires in Seattle. Data is currently being analyzed, but initial

examination indicates that the behavioral sequence interview method

has proven itself effective in lending itself to analysis which will

allow generalization about fire behaviors, once an adequate sample is

obtained.

In addition to the interviews conducted by our own staff in Seattle,

the principal investigators conducted a day-long workshop with

thirty supervisors and investigators of the Houston, Texas Arson Bureau

167
in fall, 1980. In spring, 1981, the written accounts of witnesses

questioned by investigators from the Houston Arson Bureau were

reviewed, and twenty of fifty-seven reviewed were selected as meeting

the criteria for selection into a sub-sample of the current study.

These cases contained some testimony from approximately 90 witnesses,

many of whose accounts are not amenable to our preferred mode of

analysis (a problem largely due to the fact that arson Investigation,

and not personal behaviors, was the focus of the interview).

Analysis proceeds on these data, and those accounts which do focus on human behavior Indicate that the behavior sequence interview method and

analysis can be adapted for use by on-line fire investigators. Such

use would greatly facilitate establishment of an adequate data pool of

standardized accounts to help direct subsequent investigations into

the behaviors of people in fire. A second workshop is now being

planned for the summer of 1981 with Seattle and Puget Sound fire

departments, and a subsequent data collection of on-line interviews

is planned for the fall, 1981.

Finally, concurrently with the field interviews, laboratory studies

are being conducted which probe variables which potentially Impact a witness account of the fire Incident. The first of these studies

examined differences in recall between fire investigators and a university student population when exposed to an involving film of

a hospital fire. Fire investigators scored better than students

on technical aspects, e.g. , the number of fire hoses used, but

less well on items which questioned events which would not typically

be expected to occur, e.g. elevator door blocked by a cart. This

supports the Importance of the role of expectancies in the reconstruction of accounts about the familiar.

The second study in this series examined the role of time delay between exposure to the event and recall of specific aspects of the

fire, and supported the importance of time as a hindrance to correct

recall. A second hypothesis was tested which predicted that re- creating the context of the fire event may facilitate accurate recall. This hypothesis was not supported.

Our plans for the next six months include:

1) Extensive analysis of the data gathered from the first wave of

interviews from the Seattle sample.

2) Extensive analysis of those accounts from the Houston sample which

are amenable to our behavioral sequence method.

3) Conduct further laboratory studies, especially focusing on aspects

of affect and memory.

4) Conduct a workshop for Puget Area Fire Department Investigators,

and review interview accounts conducted after fire department

personnel exposure to the behavioral sequence method.

5) Conduct a second wave of interviews with an extended Puget Sound

sample, incorporating modifications suggested by the laboratory

investigations in the interview format (especially aware of the

time delay).

168
6) Complete final analysis of this interview technique for fire

witnesses, and assess its applicability as a research instrument,

suitable for use by on-line fire personnel.

Articles and Papers ; (1980-1981)

1) Keating, J.P. and Loftus, E.F. The Logic of Fire Escape. Psychology

Today , 1981, (no. 6) , 14-19.

2) Keating, J.P. and Loftus, E.F. and Manber, M. Emergency Evacuation

During Fires: Psychological Considerations. In R. F.Kidd and M. J.

Saks (Eds.) Advances in Applied Social Psychology (Vol II).

Hillsdale, N.J.: Erlbaum, in press.

3) Keating, J.P., Groner, N. , and Loftus, E.F. Addressing Emergency

Egress Problems in High-Rise and Hospital Settings. Western

Psychological Association, Honolulu, 1980.

4) Keating, J.P. The Myth of Panic. Invited speech, U.S. Fire Administration sixth annual conference, San Francisco, 1981.

5) Keating, J.P. and Loftus, E.F. Human Behavior in Fire: Finding

Out What Really Occurred. National Fire Protection Association

eighty-fifth annual meeting, Dallas, 1981.

169
APPENDIX A

AGENDA

FIFTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON FIRE RESEARCH

CENTER FOR FIRE RESEARCH

NATIONAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

August 19, 20, 21, 1981

Tuesday, August 18

7:00 p.m. Registration and Informal Reception

Ramada Inn, Rockville, Maryland

Wednesday, August 19

8:15 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:10 a.m.

9:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m.

9:45 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:15 a.m.

10:20 a.m.

10:45 a.m.

11:45 a.m.

12:05 p.m.

12:25 p.m.

12:45 p.m.

Registration, Green Auditorium Lobby

Opening Remarks, Green Auditorium

Welcome - Dr. F. Clarke, Director, CFR/NBS

Session I. Large-Scale Modeling

Session Chairman (Overview) - Dr. J. Rockett, CFR/NBS

Modeling of Aircraft Cabin Fires (FAA) - Dr. R. Alpert, Factory

Mutual Research Corporation

Modeling of Aircraft Cabin Fires (FAA) - Professor H. Emmons,

Harvard University

Modeling of Aircraft Cabin Fires (FAA) - Professor M. Kanury

University of Notre Dame

Discussion on Aircraft Models

Coffee Break, Employee Lounge

Expository Talk - Modeling Wildland Fires - R. Rothermel, Forest

Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture

Multi-Room and Multi-Story Modeling -Dr. T. Tanaka, NBS Guest

Worker, Japan, Building Research Institute

Validation of Fire Models - Dr. W. Jones, CFR/NBS

Modeling of Available Egress Time from Buildings - Dr. L. Cooper,

CFR/NBS

Lunch, NBS Cafeteria

2:00 p.m.

2:50 p.m.

3:10 p .m.

Home Fire Project (Last Five Years) - Professor H. Emmons, Harvard

University

Heat Transfer in Room Fires - Professor E. Zukoski, California

Institute of Technology

Fire Modeling - Professor P. Pagni, University of California at

Berkeley

3:30 p.m. Coffee Break, Employee Lounge

4:00 p.m. Fuel Parameters - Dr. A. Tewarson, Factory Mutual Research

Corporation

170
Session I. Large-Scale Modeling (Continued)

4:20 p.m. Theoretical Investigation of Large-Scale Pool Fires - Professor T. Shih, University of Maryland

4:30 p.m.

4:40 p.m.

Scale Modeling - Professor M. Kanury, University of Notre Dame

CFR Policy Issues Over the Next Few Years - Dr. F. Clarke,

Director, Center for Fire Research

5:00 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

6:15-9:00 p.m.

Discussion

Adj ourn

Barbeque and Volleyball Game at Smokey Glen

Thursday, August 20

Session II. Pyrolysis

9:00 a.m. 9:15 a.m. Session Chairman (Overview) - Dr. R. Gann, CFR/NBS

Expository Talk - Mechanistic Basis of Polymer Flammability - Professor R. Barker, Clemson University

10:15 a.m. Degradation of Wood - Professor G. Springer, University of Michigan

10:35 a.m. Coffee Break, Employee Lounge

11:00 a.m. 11:20 a.m. 11:40 a.m.

Polymer Degradation - Dr. S. Brauman, SRI International

Reactions in Substrate - Professor M. Drews, Clemson University

Ignition and Fire Spread (Last Five Years) - Professor F. Shafizadeh,

12:20 p.m.

12:40 p.m.

University of Montana

Smoldering - Dr. T. Ohlemiller, CFR/NBS

Ignition - Dr. T. Kashiwagi, CFR/NBS

1:00 p.m. Lunch, NBS Cafeteria

Session III. Soot /Smoke/Radiation

2:00 p.m. Expository Talk - Flame Radiation - Professor C. Tien, University of

California at Berkeley

3:00 p.m. Session Chairman (Overview) - Professor P. Pagni, University of

California at Berkeley

3:15 p.m. Soot Nucleation - Dr. H. Calcote, AeroChem Research Laboratories, Inc

3:35 p.m. Coffee Break, Employee Lounge

4:10 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:50 p.m.

Soot - Dr. H. Miller, NRC Postdoctoral Fellow, CFR/NBS

Smolder Smoke - Dr. T. Ohlemiller, CFR/NBS

Smoke and Inert Tracers Produced in Porous Fuels - Professor S. Goren

University of California at Berkeley

5:00 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

6:30-9:00 p.m.

Discussion

Adjourn

Wine and Cheese Buffet/Reception at Gabriel’s

Friday, August 21

9:00 a.m. 9:15 a.m.

Session IV. Flame Spread, Burning Rate and Extinction

Session Chairman (Overview) - Dr. J. Quint iere, CFR/NBS

Wind Aided Flame Spread - Dr. F. Fendell, TRW Systems

171
Session IV. Flame Spread, Burning Rate and Extinction (Continued)

9:35 a.m. Flame Impingement on Ceilings - Professor G. Faeth, Pennsylvania

State University

9:55 a.m. Fire Propagation in Concurrent Flows - Professor A. Fernandez-Pello

,

University of California at Berkeley

10:15 a.m. Flame Extinction in Relationship to Fire Suppression - Dr. S. Sohrab, University of California at San Diego

10:35 a.m. Coffee Break, Employee Lounge

11:05 a.m. Burning and Extinction (Last Five Years) - Professor M. Sibulkin,

11:50 a.m. 12:10 p.m.

Brown University

Wall Flame Spread - K. Steckler, CFR/NBS

Flame Spread and Spread Limits - Professor J. T’ien, Case Western

Reserve University

12:30 p.m. Fire Spread Over Solids - Professor I. Classman, Princeton

University

12:50 p.m. Closing Remarks - Dr. R. Levine, Chief, Fire Research Resources

Division, CFR/NBS

1:00 p.m. Adjourn

Ad Hoc Group - Administration Building, Lecture Room A

2:00-5:00 p.m. Ad Hoc Fire Modeling Workshop on Burning Rate and Flame Spread - Dr. J. Quintiere, Chairman

172
APPENDIX B

FIFTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON FIRE RESEARCH

Center for Fire Research

National Engineering Laboratory

National Bureau of Standards

August 19, 20, 21, 1981

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

ABRAMS, Melvin S., Portland Cement Association, 5420 Old Orchard Road, Skokie,

IL 60077

ADAMS, Dr. Pat, Man-Made Fiber Producers Association, 1150 - 17th Street, NW,

Washington, DC 20036

ALARIE, Yves, University of Pittsburgh, lEHS-GSPH, 130 DeSoto Street,

Pittsburgh, PA 15261

ALPERT, Dr. Ronald L., Factory Mutual Research Corporation, 1151 Boston-Providence

Turnpike, Norwood, MA 02062

ATREYA, Arvind, Harvard University, Engineering Sciences Laboratory, 40 Oxford

Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

AYALA, Jos^, Fire Prevention, P.O. Box 13325 Santurce, Puerto Rico 00908

BACKOVSKY, Jana, SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025

BARKER, Prof. Robert, Clemson University, Textile Department, Clemson, SC 29631

BENJAMIN, Irwin A. , Center for Fire Research, NBS

BEYLER, Craig, Harvard University, Engineering Sciences Laboratory, 40 Oxford

Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

BILEK, George, Amax Molybdenum Gompany, One Greenwich Plaza, Greenwich, CT 06830

BIRKY, Dr. Merritt, Center for Fire Research, NBS

BRACH, Prof. Raymond M. , University of Notre Dame, Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering,

Notre Dame, IN 46556

BRAUMAN, Dr. Sharon K. , SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park,

CA 94025

BRYAN, James C. , DuPont Corporation, Elastomers Lab, Chestnut Run, Wilmington,

DE 19898

BRYAN, Dr. John L. , Fire Protection Engineering, University of Maryland,

College Park, MD 20742

BUCHBINDER, Benjamin, Center for Fire Research, NBS

BUDNICK, Edward K. , Center for Fire Research, NBS

173
BUKOWSKI, Richard, Center for Fire Research, NBS

CALCOTE, Dr. H. F., AeroChem Research Laboratories, Inc., P.O. Box 12, Princeton,

NJ 08540

CARHART, Dr. Homer, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375

CHANDLER, Harrison C., Jr., Toyad Corporation, 6902 Maple Avenue, Chevy Chase,

MD 20015

CHEN, Yue-Nan, University of Maryland, Department of Mechanical Engineering,

College Park, MD 20742

CLARK, Ferrers R.S., Fire Research Section, National Research Council of Canada,

M-59, Montreal Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

CLARKE, Dr. Frederic B., Center for Fire Research, NBS

CLINE, Douglas D. , Sandia National Laboratories, P.O. Box 5800, Albuquerque,

NM 87185

CONROY, Alan P., Jim Walter Research Corporation, 10301 Ninth Street N.,

St. Petersburg, FL 33702

COOPER, Dr. Leonard, Center for Fire Research, NBS

DAVIS, Sanford, Center for Fire Research, NBS

DAY, Dr. Michael, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada,

KIA 0R6

DELICHATSIOS, M. A., Factory Mutual Research Corporation, 1151 Boston-Providence

Turnpike, Norwood, MA 02062

DEMAS, Peter, Davis Taylor Naval Ship R & D Center, Annapolis, MD 21402

de RIS, Dr. John, Factory Mutual Research Corporation, 1151 Boston-Providence

Turnpike, Norwood, MA 02062

DiPINTO, Joseph G., Dupont Company, Kirk Mill Building, Barley Mill Plaza,

Wilmington, DE 19898

DONALDSON, Lyle, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio,

TX

DREWS, Prof. M. J., Clemson University, Textile Department, Clemson University,

Clemson, SC 29631

DRYER, Prof. Frederick L. , Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering,

Princeton University, Room D-329a, Princeton, NJ 08544

DUNLAP, Bill, Dow Chemical U.S.A., P.O. Box 515, Granville, OH 43023

174
DYER, Dr. John H. , Wormald Ansul Incorporated, One Stanton Street, Marinette

WI 54143

EICHER, Bill, Mobay Chemical Corporation, Penn-Lincoln Parkway W., Pittsburgh

PA 15205 ’

EKLUND, Thor, FAA Technical Center, ACT-350, Building 204, Tilton Road,

Atlantic City, NJ 08405

EMMONS, Prof. Howard W., Harvard University, 308 Pierce Hall, DAS, 1350 Massachusetts

Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138

EVANS, Dr. David, Center for Fire Research, NBS

FACTOR, Dr. Arnold, General Electric Company, Corporate Research & Development

P.O. Box 8, Schenectady, NY 12301

’

FAETH, Prof. G. M. , The Pennsylvania State University, 214 M. E. Building, University

Park, PA 16802

uj.bj.Ly

FARRELL, Patrick, University of Michigan, Department of Mechanical Engineering

& Applied Mechanics, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

FEIT, Eugene, Arthur, Dry & Kalish P.C., 1230 Avenue of Americas, New York

NY 10020 ’

FENDELL, Francis E., TRW, Rl/1138, One Space Park, Redondo Beach, CA 90278

FERNANDEZ-PELLO, Prof. A. Carlos, University of California, Department of Mechanical

Engineering, 6173 Etcheberry Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720

FISH, Douglas K. , DuPont Company, Kirk Mill Building, Barley Mill Plaza

Wilmington, DE 19898

’

FRANKEL, Dr. Michael, Defense Nuclear Agency/SPTD, Washington, DC 20305

FRIEDMAN, Dr. R. , Factory Mutual Research, 1151 Boston-Providence Turnpike

Norwood, MA 02062

’

FRISBIE, Nancy, Gillette Research Institute, .1413 Research Boulevard, Rockville

MD 20850 ’

GANN, Dr. Richard, Center for Fire Research, NBS

GLASSMAN, Prof. Irvin, Princeton University, Guggenheim Laboratory, Department of

Aerospace & Mechanical Sciences, Princeton, NJ 08544

GLOWINSKI, Robert W. , National Forest Products Association, 1619 Massachusetts

Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036

GOMBERG, Alan, Center for Fire Research, NBS

GOREN, Simon L. , Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California

Berkeley, CA 94720

GRAND, Dr. Arthur F., Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Road,

San Antonio, TX 78284

175
GROSS, Daniel, Center for Fire Research, NBS

GUFFEY, Larry J., Owens-Corning Fiberglas, Technical Center, Granville, OH 43023

HANUSA, Dr. L. H., Mobay Chemical Corporation, Penn-Lincoln Parkway West,

Pittsburgh, PA 15205

HASEGAWA, Harry K. , Lawrence Livermore National L'^boratory, P.O. Box 808, L-442,

Livermore, CA 94550

HELLMISS, Dr. Guenter, Bundeskriminalamt , 11 Thaerstr., D-6200 Wiesbaden,

West Germany

HESFESTAD, Gunnar, Factory Mutual Research Corporation, 1151 Boston-Providence

Turnpike, Norwood, MA 02062

HILADO, Dr. Carlos J. , Product Safety Corporation, 1457 Firebird Way, Sunnyvale,

CA 94087

HOKE, Charles, Uniroyal, Inc., 312 N. Hill Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544

HOLZAPFEL, Richard, NASA Johnson Space Center, NS-3, Houston, TX 77058

HOPPER, Richard N., The Carpet & Rug Institute, Suite 700, 1629 K Street, NW,

Washington, DC 20006

HORN, William E. , Jr., Borg-Warner Chemicals, Inc., Technical Center, P.O. Box 68,

Washington, WV 26181

HUGGETT, Dr. Clayton, Center for Fire Research, NBS

JARVIS, Dr. Chris, Textile, Clemson University, Sirrine Hall, Clerason, SC 29631

JONES, Dr. Walter, Center for Fire Research, NBS

KANURY, Prof o A. Murty, University of Notre Dame, Department of Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering, Notre Dame, IN 46556

KASEM, Dr. M. , Department of Consumer & Corporate Affairs, Ottawa, Canada K1A-0C9

KASHIWAGI, Dr. Takashi, Center for Fire Research, NBS

KENNEDY, Thomas E., Defense Nuclear Agency, Washington, DC

KERR, James W. , FEMA, Washington, DC 20472

KLEVAN, Jacob B. , Rolf Jensen & Associates, Inc., 5803 Rolling Road, Springfield,

VA 22152

LABES, Prof. Willis G., Prof. Emeritus, IIT, Chicago, RFD 3, Box 464,

Charlottesville, VA 22901

LAND, Richard, Harvard University, Harvard ESL, 40 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

LATHROP, James K. , National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy,

MA 02269

176
LEVIN, Dr. Barbara, Center for Fire Research, NBS

LEVIN, Dr. Bernard, Center for Fire Research, NBS

LEVINE, Dr. Robert, Center for Fire Research, NBS

LINES, Robert, Raychem Limited, Faraday Road, Dorcan, Swindon, Wilts., U.K.

LUNDQUIST, Barbara, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Fire Administration,

2400 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20472

MacARTHUR, Charles D., University of Dayton Research Institute, KL/465,

300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469

MALLARD, Dr. W. G. , Center for Fire Research, NBS

MARTIN, Stan, SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025

McCAULEY, Felix M. , Jim Walter Research Corporation, 10301 Ninth Street N.

,

St. Petersburg, FL 33702

McDONNELL, Dr. Michael, Science Application, Inc., 1710 Goodridge Drive,

McLean, VA 22102

McLAIN, William H. , Stan Chem, 401 E. Berlin, East Berlin, CT 06037

MEHAFFEY, Dr. Jim, Fire Research Section, Division of Building Research,

National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Canada KIA OR6

MEHTA, Navin, U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA, Washington, DC

MILLER, Dr. John H. , Center for Fire Research, NBS

MITLER, Dr. Henri, Harvard University, Engineering Sciences Laboratory, 40 Oxford

Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

MURCH, Bob, W. R. Grace & Company, 7379 Route 32, Columbia, MD 21044

NDUBIZU, Chuka, George Washington University, NRL Code 6180, Washington, DC 20375

NELSON, Ed, Bell Telephone Labs, 2000 North East Expressway, Norcross, GA 30071

NELSON, Harold, Center for Fire Research, NBS

NOBER, Dr. E. Harris, University of Massachusetts, 122 Arnold House, Amherst, MA

OHLEMILLER, Thomas, Center for Fire Research, NBS

O’NEILL, John, Center for Fire Research, NBS

ORLOFF, Lawrence, Factory Mutual Research Corporation, 1151 Boston-Providence

Turnpike, Norwood, MA 02062

01003

177
ORTIZ SOTO, Candido, Fire Prevention Chief of Puerto Rico, P.O. Box 13325

Santurce, Puerto Rico 00908

PAABO, Maya, Center for Fire Research, NBS

PAGNI, Prof. Patrick J. , Mechanical Engineering Department, University of

California, Berkeley, CA 94720

PAPE, Dr. Ronald, IIT Research Institute, 10 West 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60616

PARKER, William, Center for Fire Research, NBS

PEACOCK, Richard, Center for Fire Research, NBS

QUAN, Xina, Bell Labs, 600 Mountain Avenue, Room 7F-205, Murray Hill, NJ 07974

QUINTIERE, Dr. James, Center for Fire Research, NBS

RAY, Steven R. , Princeton University, D-329, Engineering Quadrangle, Olden Street

Princeton, NJ 08544

ROBERTSON, Dr. Alex, Center for Fire Research, NBS

ROBINS, Robert, HPMA, P.O. Box 2789, Reston, VA 22090

ROCKETT, Dr. John, Center for Fire Research, NBS

ROTHERMEL, Dick, Forest Service, Northern Forest Fire Laboratory, P.O. Drawer G,

Missoula, MT 59801

SARKOS, Gus, FAA Technical Center, ACT-350, Technical Building, Tilton Road,

Atlantic City, NJ 08405

SCHIFFHAUER, Earl J. , Eastman Kodak, Kodak Park, 1669 Lake Avenue, Rochester, NY

SCHWARTZ, Bernie, Consumer Product Safety Commission, 5401 Westbard Avenue,

Bethesda, MD 20207

SHAFIZADEH, Fred, Professor and Director, Wood Chemistry Laboratory, 417 Science

Complex, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812

SHAW, W. A., Hoecht Fibers Industries, Division of American Hoechst Corporation,

P.O. Box 5887, Spartanburg, SC 29304

SHIH, Prof. Tien-Mo, University of Maryland, Department of Mechanical Engineering

College Park, MD 20742

SIBULKIN, Prof. Merwin, Brown University, Division of Engineering, Providence,

RI 02912

SINOPOLI, Cliff, Webb, Murray & Associates, Inc., Fire Protection & Safety

Engineering, Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058

SOHRAB, Siavash H. , University of California, San Diego, Ames Department B-OlO,

La Jolla, CA 92093

14650

178
SPRINGER, George S., University of Michigan, Department of Mechanical Engineering

& Applied Mechanics, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

STAHLY, Eldon E. , Elsevier International Bulletins, 2813 Deerfield Drive,

Ellicott City, MD 21043

STECKLER, Kenneth, Center for Fire Research, NBS

SUTKER, Burton J. , Saytech, Inc., 25 Kimberly Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816

SZABAT, John F. , Mobay Chemical Corporation, Penn-Lincoln Parkway West,

Pittsburgh, PA 15205

TAN, Seng-Chuan, Harvard University, Harvard ESL, 40 Oxford Street, Cambridge,

MA 02138

TANAKA, Dr. Takeyoshi, Center for Fire Research, NBS

TATEM, Patrica A. , NRL, Washington, DC

TEWARSON, Dr. A., Factory Mutual Research Corporation, 1151 Boston-Providence

Turnpike, Norwood, MA 02062

TIEN, Chang-Lin, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720

T’lEN, James S. , Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106

WEINTRAUB, Arnold A., U. S. Department of Energy, EP32 GTN, Washington, DC 20545

WILKINS, Mark, Fire Research Station, Melrose Avenue, Borehamwood, Herts,

WD6 2GL, England

WILLIAMS, Frederick W. , Naval Research Laboratory, Code 6180, Washington, DC 20375

WINGER, James, Center for Fire Research, NBS

VANNELLI, A. R. (Tony), Weyerhaeuser Company, Fire Technology Section, Longview,

WA 98632

YEH, Dr. Kwan, University of Maryland, Department of Textiles & Consumer Economics,

2100 Marie Mount, College Park, MD 20742

ZIELINSKI, Dr. Walter, Center for Fire Research, NBS

ZUKOSKI, Prof. Edward E. , California Institute of Technology, 1201 E. California,

Pasadena, CA 91125

179
NBS»]14A (REV. 2«8C) U.S. DEPT. OF COMM.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

SHEET (See instructions)

1. PUBLICATION OR

REPORT NO.

NBSIR 81-2382

2. Performing Organ. Report No. 3. Publication Date

October 1981

4.

TITLE AND SUBTITLE

Fifth Annual Conference on Fire Research

5. AUTHOR(S)

Sonya M. Cherry

6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION (If joint or other than NBS, see instructions) 7. Contract/Grant

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS . DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 8 . Type of Report & Period Covered

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20234

9.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION NAME AND COMPLETE ADDRESS (Street. City, State. ZiP)

Same as 6

.

10.

SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

QU Document describes a computer program; SF-185, FIPS Software Summary, Is attached.

11.

ABSTRACT (A 200-word or less factual summary of most significant information. If document includes a significant

bibliography or literature survey, mention it here)

This report contains extended abstracts of grants and contracts for

fire research sponsored by the Center for Fire Research, National

Bureau of Standards, as well as descriptions of the Internal programs

of the Center for Fire Research.

12. KEY WORDS (S/x to twelve entries; alphabetical order; capitalize only proper names; and separate key word^by semicolon s) Combustion; decision analysis; fire models; flame spread; human behavior;

ignition; polymers; smoke; soot; toxicity; wood.

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