Combustion characteristics of n-heptane and wood crib fires at different altitudes

This paper contains descriptions of a preliminary experimental investigation of the fire combustion characteristics at different altitudes. Fire experiments were conducted in two laboratories located at different altitudes. Two n-heptane tanks and two wood cribs were used in the fire experiments conducted in two combustion chambers of the same size. Several parameters, including flame temperature, thermal radiation flux and fuel mass loss, were measured. Significant differences in the combustion characteristics at two difference latitudes were revealed. The experimental data show that for the same burning surface area, the burning rate, radiation heat flux and flame temperature at the high altitude was lower than those at the low altitude. For the same burning rate, the measured radiation heat flux at high altitude was lower than that at low altitude, though the average flame temperature was higher.