Wind-aided flame spread over thick solids

Abstract This study theoretically analyzes flame spread over thick solid fuels (noncharring) in concurrent oxidizer flows. Emphasis is placed on making rationally justifiable physical approximations that produce useful results. It is discovered that by making only one additional assumption (steady pyrolysis zone) over that of the previous analysis of Carrier et al. ( Combust. Sci. Technol. 23:41–78, 1980), exact solutions for the pyrolysis and flame front speeds can be obtained. These quantities are both linearly dependent on the free stream velocity; the self-similar formulation used herein also makes them constant. The applicability and limitations of the formulas of deRis ( Twelfth Symposium on Combustion , 1969, pp. 241–252) and Quintiere Fire Mater . 5(2):52–60 (1981) for the pyrolysis front speed are discussed. Suggestions for future work are made.