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The effects of specimen edge conditions on heat release rate
Author(s) -
Babrauskas Vytenis,
Twilley William H.,
Parker William J.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
fire and materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.482
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1099-1018
pISSN - 0308-0501
DOI - 10.1002/fam.810170202
Subject(s) - enhanced data rates for gsm evolution , cone calorimeter , frame (networking) , calorimeter (particle physics) , structural engineering , fire performance , materials science , forensic engineering , composite material , computer science , engineering , mechanical engineering , waste management , detector , fire resistance , char , telecommunications , pyrolysis
When bench‐scale specimens are tested for heat release rate, it is generally of interest that the behavior of the specimen simulate, as much as is possible, that of a real‐scale product performing in a real fire. A number of issues have been raised recently by workers trying to understand the optimal conditions of specimen preparation and mounting. In the present study a large number of materials were explored in the Cone Calorimeter to determine the effect of edge conditions and edge frames. It was found that by the use of an insulated edge frame, heat release rate values can be obtained which are slightly closer to expected true values. The testing procedure, however, is significantly more complicated. This makes the insulated edge frame useful for collecting specialized data for fire modeling, but not for conducting routine reaction‐to‐fire tests. For routine testing use, it is recommended: (1) that no edge frame needs to be used unless the test specimen presents special difficulties, such as due to intumescence; (2) that in those cases where the use of the steel edge frame is found necessary, the results should be reported on the basis of an effective exposure area of 0.0081 m 2 . When reported on such a basis, the heat release rate results do not show a systematic bias, compared to results with no edge frame.