Effects of Extreme Heat on Man. IV. Mechanism of Heat Transfer in an Open Gasoline Fire
Abstract
To study the process of heat transfer inside a gasoline fire. With a simple calorimeter in an open gasoline fire the heat transfer from the fire to a black surface and to a shiny metallic surface was measured. The transfer of heat occurred almost exclusively by radiation. During the first 50 seconds the transfer of heat to a polished aluminum surface was markedly lower than to a black surface. After this time the polished surface was so blackened by soot that it acted, essentially, as a black body. In close proximity to a gasoline fire, polished aluminum surfaces reflected more than 90 percent of the radiant beat which would normally be absorbed (1,2). This reflection decreased to that of a black body in approximately 50 seconds after entry into the actual flame of the fire.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1951
- Accession Number
- ADB213029
Entities
People
- Everett O. Richey
- Konrad Buettner