The objectives of this project are to 1) characterize the ideal configurations and parameters of fire whirl formation; 2) characterize the effects and burning/combustion efficiencies on emissions from different fire whirl configurations, fuels, and slick thicknesses; 3) further understand the fundamental physics contributing to enhancement in the combustion efficiency of fire whirls verses pool fires; and 4) develop a scaled prototype fire whirl generator for use in a large-scale outdoor test facility.
The University of California, Berkeley team has completed bench-scale experiments investigating emissions and the effect of slick thickness utilizing a three-walled prototype design. Investigation into the role of wall height of the configuration on fire whirl formation and emissions continues. Experiments to study heat flux and temperatures, probing the mechanisms underlying emissions efficiencies, are underway. The project is on schedule and on budget.