| Abstract: | An examination of the correlative relationship between room fire intensity (temperature) and flammability data for materials, ASTM E–84 flame ratings and energy release rate from calorimertry devices is presented for fire spread on lings. The results of the analysis show the significance of two modes of flame spread—wind-aided and opposed-flow spread. The factors important in these spread modes are considered from approximate solutions developed for turbulent flow. As the importance of energy release rate to flame spread in the tunnel test (E–84) and in upward or wind-aided spread is illustrated. The results suggest a possible reason why the ASTM E–84 and in upward or wind-aided spread is illustrated. The results suggest a possible reason why the ASTM E–84 ratings may not be applicable to the performance of low-density combustible linings in wall fires. In the analyses, flame radiation has not been considered. Also the interpretation of energy release rate data for difference scale and orientation effects has been ignored. These two factors must ultimately be addressed. |
