Posted by Arowosegbe Olawale in General

Ignition Process

Ignition is the initial spark or heat source that starts a fire. It can result from various sources, including electrical faults, open flames, sparks, or chemical reactions. Ignition temperature, the minimum temperature at which a material ignites, varies for different fuels.

Combustion Process

The combustion process involves the chemical reaction between fuel and oxygen. The combustion of hydrocarbon fuels, such as wood or gasoline, produces carbon dioxide, water vapor, heat, and light. Combustion efficiency is a critical factor, as incomplete combustion can lead to the production of toxic gasses like carbon monoxide.

Flame Spread Mechanisms

Understanding how flames spread is vital for fire protection engineers. There are two primary mechanisms of flame spread:

• Surface Spread: Flames advance across the surface of a solid material. The rate of surface spread depends on the material's flammability and the availability of fuel.
• Firebrands and Spot Fires: Burning embers or firebrands can be carried by the wind, igniting spot fires in other locations. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in wildfires.