Special Problem 2 ENFP 415

October 22, 2008

Problem Statement
A lean premixed flame propagages at the laminar burning velocity in a still
mixture. The surface area of the plane front is A. Show that the energy
release rate is given by
Q̇ = ρSu AYF,u ∆hc (1)
All notation is consistent with the text.
A fire occurs in an attic where a mixture of Propane at its lower limit
fills the channel of exposed floor joints set 18′′ apart and 3.5′′ deep. Ignition
occurs at one end and propagates over 40 feet of its length. The propagation
is constant at a turbulent flame speed, 10 times its laminar burning velocity.
Use properties
Laminar burning velocity, Su,L = 40 cm/s.
Heat of combustion, ∆hc = 46.4 kJ/g.
Lower flammability limit XL = 2.2 % molar.
Compute the energy release for the channel.

1
Solution
Use properties of air -not propane since we have a small amount of propane
initially (XF,u = 0.022).
Now

Q̇ = ρST AYF,u ∆hc (2)

!   "  #
kg m m 2

2
= 1.2 3 × 10 × 0.4 × 1.8 × 3.5in × 0.025
m s in
" !#
moles 44 g/mol propane
× 0.022 ×
molmix 29g/mol Air
!
kJ g
× 46.4 × 103
g kg
= 302 kW (3)

Propagation time t is computed as

L 40 ft
t= = = 3.04 s (4)
ST 10 × 0.4 m/s
Also, from energy balance (equation (3.45) of text)
d
cv (mT ) = Q̇ (5)
dT
Use in conjunction with ideal gas law, and expression for cv (molecular weight
computed for air)
Ru
pV = m T (6)
M
R
cv = (7)
γ−1
to get
dP Q̇
= (γ − 1) (8)
dt V
Integrate Equation (8) to get the pressure differential
(1.4 − 1) × (302 kW) × (3.04 s)
p − p0 =
300 m3
N
= 1.2 × 103 2
m