Combustion of solids in low-speed forced flows at reduced gravity is relevant to fire safety in spacecraft. Flame spread behavior at reduced gravity has been examined previously for thin fuels. Combustion characteristics in low speed flow can be qualitatively different from those at higher speeds. In particular, flame extinction can occur at both high and low speed flows.
For thick solids such as solid cylinder, additional complications occur. It is known that two distinct flow regions exist when a cylinder is placed in a stream; a forward stagnation point and a wake (recirculating) region. The flame stabilization and extinction characteristics differ between these two regions. In addition, the solid affects the flammability characteristics.
This paper examines the combustion and extinction behavior of a solid PMMA cylinder in a low speed flow both theoretically and experimentally.
Yang, C.T., Goldmeer, J.S., T'ien, J.S., Urban, D.L., Combustion of a Solid Cylinder in Low Speed Flows, 1994 Fall Technical Meeting The Eastern States Section, Combustion Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, pp. 47-50, December 05, 1994.