Knowledge Bank

The flame suppressant $CF3Br$ acts chemically, producing HF and HBR. The amount of these toxic and corrosive acids has been dificult to quantitate in a fire environment as they react rapidly. We have used in-situ infrared absorption by repeatedly scanning over one rotational line. This allows correction for the constantly changing water and smoke background. Nitrogen is a physical fire suppressant with special application to closed environments, such as submarines. The large-scale mixing of $N2$ addition is being studies in a 10,000 cubic foot fire test chamber via hot-wire anemometry. Laser Doppler Velocimetry is applicable to future work.