Specific extinction coefficient of flame generated smoke

The experimental results for the mass specific extinction coefficient (σs) at λ=633 nm for flame generated smoke are summarized for seven studies involving 29 fuels. The measurements are for post-flame smoke generated by overventilated burning. From an analysis of variance for the seven studies, it was found that between-laboratory differences were the major source of variability. The estimated mean value of σs is 8.7 m2/g with an expanded uncertainty (95% confidence interval) of 1.1 m2/g. A major implication of this nearly universal value is that one can infer mass concentration of smoke by making light extinction measurements. Published in 2000 by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.