A FIRE-GROWTH MODEL OF COMBUSTIBLE BASED ON AN EXPONENTIAL FUNCTION

Abstract

The early stages of a fire are simulated using a fire-growth model based on an exponential function. The model is verified by carrying out combustion experiments with urethane foam. Heat release rates predicted by the model are in good agreement with a wide range of observed heat outputs from urethane foam. Even with different sources of ignition, the growth rate of a fire fits the same exponential function. Furthermore, the heat release rate of burning chairs and Christmas trees is also shown to fit the exponential function.