Smoldering wave-front velocity in fiberboard

Abstract

In fiberboard, the phenomena of smoldering can be visualized as decomposition resulting from the motion of a thermal wave-front through the material. The tendency to smolder is then directly proportional to the velocity of the front. Velocity measurements were made on four fiberboards and were compared to values given in the literature for several substances. Velocities ranged from zero to 4.63 x 10-2 inch per minute (11.8 cm/min). The phenomena of smoldering is also considered in terms of transport processes; a discussion of related literature and theory is provided, culminating in the wave-front propagation model.

Citation

Brenden, John J.; Schaffer, Erwin L. 1980. Smoldering wave-front velocity in fiberboard. Res. Pap. FPL-367. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, 1980: 16 pages