Ignition of and flame spread over laboratory-scale pools of pure liquid fuels

Abstract This article is a review of modeling and experiments of the ignition and flame spread over liquid fuel pools for separate regimes defined by the initial pool temperature relative to the fuel flash point. The purpose of this review is twofold. First it will emphasise newer or lesser known studies, both experimental and numerical, because these may question or alter some of the conclusions from the last review of the field by Glassman and Dryer, published in 1981. Second, it will cover the additional subjects of ignition susceptibility, analytic and numerical modeling, non-air atmospheres and forced flow, beds of fuel-soaked sand or glass beads and buoyancy-related processes applicable to microgravity combustion science and spacecraft fire safety. The review concludes with recommendations for further numerical and experimental research.