The spread of flame across a liquid surface II. Steady-state conditions

Abstract

The one-dimensional spread of flame along the surface of flammable liquids confined in a parallel-sided channel has been studied and the effects of physical dimensions and initial temperature upon its rate established. When the initial temperature of the liquid is below the closed flash point, flame spread depends upon the transfer of heat to the liquid sufficient to raise its surface temperature to the flash-point value and a qualitative picture of the mechanism by which this takes place is developed. When the initial temperature is above the flash point, flame spread is dependent upon conditions in the gas phase above the liquid and these are defined.