Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “FIRES”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 703 records · Page 39
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Studying Rate of Fire Spread Using Landscape Statistics and FIRETEC

Wildfires are multi-system and multi-scale processes that are influenced by the land and atmosphere. Here, we study the influence of land, in terms of topography and vegetation, on uphill and downhill fire spread using data of the state of California as a testbed. The California landscape is first quantified by reclassifying its dominant vegetation types into grass, trees, and shrubs. Next, statistics of slope, vegetation height, and live fuel moisture percentage for each dominant vegetation type are gathered to create ensembles of idealized computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model simulations representative of the landscape. Rate of spread values for each CFD simulation are recorded to observe the differences in perturbing slope and fuel moisture for each vegetation type. We have found that all vegetation types prefer slopes of less than 30 degrees. Trees in the California data are 10 to 40 meters high, whereas shrub heights are less than 3 meters and grass heights are less than 1 meter. The live fuel moisture percentage of both trees and shrubs fluctuates around approximately 100% over one year (2019-2020). Using these parameters as inputs into the CFD model, fire spread rate is found to be fastest in the grass ensemble (maximum 12 m s -1 ), followed by shrubs (maximum 10 m s -1 ) and lastly by trees (maximum 7 m s -1 ). Increasing slope increases the spread rate of the uphill fire but the downhill spread decreases for slopes greater than 15 degrees. Increasing fuel moisture decreases the spread rate both up and down the hill. This study highlights the impacts that topography and vegetation have on fire spread.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Model Validation Database for Fires Involving Fuels at Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities

This document provides a description of the model evaluation protocol (MEP) database for fires involving liquefied natural gas (LNG) and processing fuels at LNG facilities. The purpose of the MEP is to provide procedures regarding the assessment of a model's suitability to predict thermal exclusion zones resulting from a fire. The database includes measurements from pool fire, jet fire, and fireball experiments which are provided in a spreadsheet. Users are to enter model results into the spreadsheet which automatically generates statistical performance measures and graphical comparisons with the experimental data. The intent of this document is to provide a description of the experiments and of the procedure required to carry out the validation portion of the MEP. In addition, the statistical performance measures, measurements for comparisons, and parameter variation are provided.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Model Evaluation Protocol for Fire Models Involving Fuels at Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities.

This document provides a description of the model evaluation protocol (MEP) for pool fires, jet fires, and fireballs involving liquefied natural gas (LNG), refrigerant fluids, and byproducts at LNG facilities. The purpose of the MEP is to provide procedures regarding the assessment of a model's suitability to predict heat flux from fires. Three components, namely, a scientific assessment, model verification, and model validation comprise the MEP. The evaluation of a model satisfying these three components is to be documented in the form of a model evaluation report (MER). Discussion of models for the prediction of fire, detailed information on each of the three MEP components, the MEP procedure regarding new versions of previously approved models, and the format of the model evaluation report (MER) are provided.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Hanford Site Post-Fire Vegetation Monitoring Report for Calendar Year 2025

The Hanford Site and the surrounding greater Columbia Basin is comprised of an expanse of shrub-steppe habitats that provides exceptional ecological value to plants and animals. The U.S. Department of Energy, Hanford Field Office (HFO)-managed portion of the Hanford Site, referred to from herein as Central Hanford, has experienced repeated wildfires resulting in profound, often adverse, effects on the landscape. This report summarizes these fires and fire monitoring efforts that occurred in calendar year (CY) 2025 and analyzes the post-fire vegetation recovery in restored areas to inform future post-fire response actions.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Model Validation Database for Fires Involving Fuels at Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities (Version 2)

This document provides a description of the model evaluation protocol (MEP) database for fires involving liquefied natural gas (LNG) and processing fuels at LNG facilities. The purpose of the MEP is to provide procedures regarding the assessment of a model’s suitability to predict thermal exclusion zones resulting from a fire. The database includes measurements from pool fire, jet fire, and fireball experiments which are provided in a spreadsheet. Users are to enter model results into the spreadsheet which automatically generates statistical performance measures and graphical comparisons with the experimental data. The intent of this document is to provide a description of the experiments and of the procedure required to carry out the validation portion of the MEP. In addition, the statistical performance measures, measurements for comparisons, and parameter variation are provided.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Model Evaluation Protocol for Fire Models Involving Fuels at Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities (Version 2)

This document provides a description of the model evaluation protocol (MEP) for pool fires, jet fires, and fireballs involving liquefied natural gas (LNG) and processing fuels at LNG facilities. The purpose of the MEP is to provide procedures regarding the assessment of a model’s suitability to predict heat flux from fires. Three components, namely, a scientific assessment, model verification, and model validation comprise the MEP. The evaluation of a model satisfying these three components is to be documented in the form of a model evaluation report (MER). Discussion of models for the prediction of fire, detailed information on each of the three MEP components, the MEP procedure regarding new versions of previously approved models, and the format of the model evaluation report (MER) are provided.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2025

The Co-Firing of Pine Biomass and Waste Coal in 100 and 600 MW Power Plants: A Sustainable Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions

Climate change is a global issue that has gained much attention recently. Co-firing biomass with coal/waste coal reduces the electricity sector’s GHG emissions sustainably. This study uses commercial software to model waste coal and biomass co-firing in 100 MW and 600 MW power plants. The objective is to assess the effects of fluid types (subcritical and supercritical), plant capacities (100 MW and 600 MW), boiler types (pulverized coal and circulating fluidized bed boilers), biomass and waste coal co-firing ratios (0:100, 20:80, 40:60, 60:40, 80:20, and 100:0), and carbon capture and storage efficiencies (0%, 90%, 95%, and 97%) on performance parameters such as net plant efficiency, heat rate, net plant CO2 and SO2, and particulate matter emissions. The feedstocks selected for this investigation include anthracite waste coal and loblolly pine biomass. As the biomass fraction increases from 0% to 100%, co-fired power plants net efficiency increases by 3–8%. Supercritical plants had a 6% higher net plant efficiency than the subcritical plants. The study found that the biomass’s high heating value decreased the fuel flow rate and reduced plant CO2 emissions by 10–16%. With 100% biomass power plant feed and 90% carbon capture and storage efficiency, CO2 emissions drop by 83% and SO2 and PM emissions drop to zero.

Bhoi, Prakashbhai R. (ORCID:0000000333104888)↗
DOE OSTI2021

Data accompanying the publication "Sensitivity of grass fires burning in marginal conditions to atmospheric turbulence" in the Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres

Data accompanying Jonko, Yedinak, Conley, and Linn (2021): "Sensitivity of grass fires burning in marginal conditions to atmospheric turbulence", JGR-Atmospheres. LA-UR-21-24832. The following files were generated from simulations performed with Los Alamos National Laboratory coupled atmosphere-fire behavior model FIRETEC v1.3: -area_burned.csv contains the area burned per second in m^2 for 45 CORE simulations, 20 INIT simulations and 20 BOUND simulations (85 columns), and 600 seconds of simulation (600 rows). -fire_perimeter.csv containing the fire perimeters in m for 45 CORE simulations, 20 INIT simulations and 20 BOUND simulations (85 columns), and 600 seconds of simulation (600 rows). -consumption_per_second.csv containing consumption in kg/s for 45 CORE simulations, 20 INIT simulations and 20 BOUND simulations (85 columns), and 600 seconds of simulation (600 rows). -rate_of_spread.csv containing the distance of the fire front from the ignition line in m for 45 CORE simulations, 20 INIT simulations and 20 BOUND simulations (85 columns), and 600 seconds of simulation (600 rows). -CORE1_u_10m_300_sec.hdf, INIT3_u_10m_300_sec.hdf, and BOUND3_u_10m_300_sec.hdf contain u wind speeds at 10 m height for 300 seconds (3D: time, x, y) of simulation for simulations CORE1, INIT3, and BOUND3, respectively. -CORE.final.fuel.density.hdf contains final fuel densities in the surface layer of the model (3D: ensemble member, x, y) for all 45 CORE simulations. -CORE{1-45}_3D_u_120_sec.hdf: 45 files containing vertically and horizontally resolved u winds for 120 seconds of simulation (4D: time, x, y, z) for the 45 CORE ensemble members. For additional information about this data, please contact the corresponding author at ajonko@lanl.gov.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1974

Method and apparatus for checking fire detectors

A fire detector checking method and device are disclosed for nondestructively verifying the operation of installed fire detectors of the type which operate on the principle of detecting the rate of temperature rise of the ambient air to sound an alarm and/or which sound an alarm when the temperature of the ambient air reaches a preset level. The fire alarm checker uses the principle of effecting a controlled simulated alarm condition to ascertain wheather or not the detector will respond. The checker comprises a hand-held instrument employing a controlled heat source, e.g., an electric lamp having a variable input, for heating at a controlled rate an enclosed mass of air in a first compartment, which air mass is then disposed about the fire detector to be checked. A second compartment of the device houses an electronic circuit to sense and adjust the temperature level and heating rate of the heat source.

Clawson, G. T.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Program for developing and implementing a new approach to designing for fire safety in buildings

The traditional method of providing for fire safety in buildings through reliance on codes and standards that prescribe specific measures to be taken in the design and construction of buildings to minimize the potential for a fire occurring and to protect property and life should a fire occur was evaluated. A new approach to designing for fire safety in buildings is outlined.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1976

Aircraft engine sump-fire studies

Results of ongoing experimental studies are reported in which a 125-millimeter-diameter-advanced-bearing test rig simulating an engine sump is being used to find the critical range of conditions for fires to occur. Design, material, and operating concepts and techniques are being studied with the objective of minimizing the problem. It has been found that the vapor temperature near a spark ignitor is most important in determining ignition potential. At temperatures producing oil vapor pressures below or much above the calculated flammability limits, fires have not been ignited. But fires have been routinely started within the theoretical flammability range. This indicates that generalizing the sump-fire problem may make it amenable to analysis, with the potential for realistic solutions.

Loomis, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Fire resistivity and toxicity studies of candidate aircraft passenger seat materials

Fire resistivity studies were conducted on a wide range of candidate nonmetallic materials being considered for the construction of improved fire resistant aircraft passenger seats. These materials were evaluated on the basis of FAA airworthiness burn and smoke generation tests, colorfastness, limiting oxygen index, and animal toxicity tests. Physical, mechanical, and aesthetic properties were also assessed. Candidate seat materials that have significantly improved thermal response to various thermal loads corresponding to reasonable fire threats as they relate to in-flight fire situations, are identified.

Fewell, L. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Charge-flow structures as polymeric early-warning fire alarm devices

The charge-flow transistor (CFT) and its applications for fire detection and gas sensing were investigated. The utility of various thin film polymers as possible sensing materials was determined. One polymer, PAPA, showed promise as a relative humidity sensor; two others, PFI and PSB, were found to be particularly suitable for fire detection. The behavior of the charge-flow capacitor, which is basically a parallel-plate capacitor with a polymer-filled gap in the metallic tip electrode, was successfully modeled as an RC transmission line. Prototype charge-flow transistors were fabricated and tested. The effective threshold voltage of this metal oxide semiconductor was found to be dependent on whether surface or bulk conduction in the thin film was dominant. Fire tests with a PFI-coated CFT indicate good sensitivity to smouldering fires.

Sechen, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Fire response test methods for aerospace materials

Fire response methods which may be suitable for materials intended for aircraft and aerospace applications are presented. They address ignitability, smolder susceptibility, oxygen requirement, flash fire propensity, fire spread, heat release, fire containment, smoke evolution, and toxic gas evolution.

Hilado, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Fire resistivity and toxicity studies of candidate aircraft passenger seat materials

This paper describes fire resistivity studies of a wide range of candidate nonmetallic materials for the construction of improved fire resistant aircraft passenger seats. These materials were evaluated on the basis of FAA airworthiness burn and smoke generation tests, colorfastness, and animal toxicity tests. Physical, mechanical, and aesthetic properties were also included in the evaluations. Candidate seat materials that have significantly improved thermal response to various thermal loads corresponding to reasonable fire threats, as they relate to in-fight fire situations, are identified.

Fewell, L. L.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Conference on Fire Resistant Materials (FIREMEN): A compilation of presentations and papers

The proceedings of the NASA Fire Resistant Materials Engineering (FIREMEN) Program held at Ames Research Center on April, 13, 14, 1978 are reported. The purpose of the conference was to discuss the results of NASA in the field of aircraft fire safety and fire resistant materials. The program components include the following: (1) large-scale testing; (2) fire toxicology; (3) polymeric materials; and (4) bibliography related and/or generated from the program.

Kourtides, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Conference on Fire Resistant Materials: A compilation of presentations and papers

The proceedings of the NASA IRE Resistant Materials Engineering (FIREMEN) Program held at Boeing Commercial Airplane Company, Seattle, Washington, on March 1-2, 1979 are reported. The conference was to discuss the results of research by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in the field of aircraft fire safety and fire-resistant materials. The program topics include the following: (1) large-scale testing; (2) fire toxicology; (3) polymeric materials; and (4) fire modeling.

Kourtides, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Char yield and flash-fire propensity of pyrolysis gases from materials

Comparison of the char yield after occurrence of a flash fire in the pyrolysis gases from various materials indicates that increased char yield appears to be associated with reduced flash-fire propensity for certain types of materials. For certain other materials, flash-fire propensity appears to be independent of char yield. The mechanisms of thermal decomposition and char formation may be more important factors in flash-fire propensity than the quantitative degree of char formation.

Hilado, C. J.↗