Radiative Transfer at the Surface of a Small Scale Pool Fire Under the Influence of External Radiation

Among the relevant environmental conditions which can influence fires, externally applied radiation appears to be important. In building and compartment fires, for example, these external radiations may be supplied by hot walls, ceiling layers of hot gases, or by other burning objects. In the present work, the influence of external radiation on the radiation flux surface and mass burning rate of a small scale kerosene pool fire is studied. A comparison between flux measurements and calculations from a theoretical approach is made. Despite the experimental difficulties and uncertainties, the agreement appears reasonably good. The results underline that the influence of an external radiative flux on the resulting flux at the surface is relatively weak, due to a blocking effect by fuel vapor and soot. The proposed modeling provides a basic understanding of the surface heat transfer behaviour and a comprehensive account of the role of an external thermal radiation.