Citation

Thomas PH. Fire Safety J. 1994; 22(1): 89-99.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

There appears to be a fundamental difference between a two-dimensional theory of upward flame spread on thick solids based on a fractional power, such as , between flame length and heat release rate and one based on a proportionality between them. Simple models based on the former always predict extinction whilst those based on the latter permit the possibility of exponential acceleration. This paper utilises many past analyses to emphasise the weakening of this distinction in practice by the introduction of wall friction, burn out at the rear, and a finite width of burning, i.e. the absence of two dimensionality at the initial stage of a fire.