How does fire propagate? Where do the flames tend to go? How can be modelled by a heat source? Radiation blackbody at a constant temperature? Does the heat flow have any preference? Does it follow any rule?
Thenks
2007-01-31 11:02:13 · 4 answers · asked by borjamolera 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Large fires most often propagate thru the convection of hot gases and fine particulates in them. This causes fires to "jump" and spread faster than what we see in small flames. If we burn match the position most likely to light something else on fire is the top of the flame, where the hot gases are. Predicting the convective flows of hot gases can be solved with computer simulations, because they follow physical laws, but not simple rules.
2007-01-31 11:42:41 · answer #1 · answered by meg 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are sooo many laws at work- gravity for one, chemistry (I believe the flame "eats" oxygen), and of course the standard principles of thermodynamics, I guess. This article is very very interesting and helpful:
http://www.discover.com/issues/jan-01/departments/featphysics/
2007-01-31 11:08:45 · answer #2 · answered by radioflyer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It follows the greatest source of oxygen
2007-01-31 11:11:09 · answer #3 · answered by Billy Butthead 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
up in smoke
2007-01-31 11:09:49 · answer #4 · answered by Stinging Dragon 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋