Modeling propellant fires radiant heat flux

ABSTRACT

One of the main dangers associated with any fire is the radiant heat emitted during the event. The heat radiated by a fire can cause unwanted consequences, such as weakening nearby structures, igniting new material and harming people. Propellants are designed to burn at high velocities in the pressure regime of their applications. At atmospheric pressure, the smaller burning velocities of propellants result in a slower energy release and thus in large radiant heat doses being emitted. This study presents the results of experimental tests on various propellant fires. The conclusion is a general model predicting the maximum heat flux emitted during a propellant fire. This model relies on variables which are simple to obtain in a laboratory setting with any propellant sample. Comparing with previously published models reveals some differences that show the proposed conclusion to be a more general result. The final model shall be useful in designing safety guidelines and studying flame propagation in propellants.

KEYWORDS:

• Fire safety
• propellants
• energetic materials
• explosion safety radiant heat flux

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the important contribution made by General Dynamics—Ordnance and Tactical Systems Canada, Valleyfield for providing the propellant samples and testing facility. The authors also wish to thank the contribution of Pierre Lavigne in planning and performing the testing.