Burning in microgravity: Experimental results and analysis

Burning experiments are analyzed for 59 successfully ignited tests using a gas burner (BRE) to emulate the steady burning of 25 mm diameter flat surface materials. More than half resulted in long burns at least 2 and as 5 min. Mixtures ethylene nitrogen allow 23.6 47.2 kJ/g heats combustion (LHV). Nominal ambient conditions range from 40% 21% oxygen pressures 1 about 0.56 bar. NASA human habitat atmospheres have been used. Generally, it has found that nominal mole fractions 26% above can flames. The flames thin blue color grow slowly over time minutes. Some self-extinguish, some had periodic oscillations, others appear become were shut down. Theoretical analyses show shutdown growth, all test endpoints more 94% state flame heat flux. Flame flux set mass allowed estimation gasification relate solid materials might burn microgravity. Radiometers computation radiative fraction appeared correlate well with measured height. Results shown flux, height base radius, function fuel mixture various pressure atmospheres.