Citation

Babrauskas V. Fire Safety J. 1982; 5(1): 9-20.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1982, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Rate of heat release measurements with several gases and with horizontal specimens of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) plastic were performed in the Ohio State University (OSU) apparatus using two different techniques: (1) standard compensated thermopile measurement and (2) oxygen consumption. Results indicate that the combustion enthalpy is measured substantially completely with the oxygen consumption technique, but that for the materials tested a varying 20-30% loss is seen with the standard method when the calibration is based on methane. With either method the PMMA rate of heat release is not steady but shows a monotonically rising nature until specimen burn-through. Theoretical analysis and diagnostic irradiance and temperature measurements show this to be attributable to the fact that specimen flames impinge upon, and heat up portions of the apparatus, causing an increase in irradiance to the burning sample.