Journal Published Online: 16 May 2007
Volume 4, Issue 4

Effect of Geometry on the Melting Rates of Iron Rods Burning in High Pressure Oxygen

CODEN: JAIOAD

Abstract

The effect of sample geometry on the melting rates of burning iron rods was assessed. Promoted-ignition tests were conducted with rods having cylindrical, rectangular, and triangular cross-sectional shapes over a range of cross-sectional areas. The regression rate of the melting interface (RRMI) was assessed using a statistical approach which enabled the quantification of confidence levels for the observed differences in RRMI. Statistically significant differences in RRMI were observed for rods with the same cross-sectional area but different cross-sectional shape. The magnitude of the proportional difference in RRMI increased with the cross-sectional area. Triangular rods had the highest RRMI, followed by rectangular rods, and then cylindrical rods. The dependence of RRMI on rod shape is shown to relate to the action of molten metal at corners. The corners of the rectangular and triangular rods melted faster than the faces due to their locally higher surface area to volume ratios. This phenomenon altered the attachment geometry between liquid and solid phases, increasing the surface area available for heat transfer, causing faster melting. Findings relating to the application of standard flammability test results in industrial situations are also presented.

Author Information

Suvorovs, Terese
School of Engineering Systems, Queensland University of Technology, Gardens Point, QLD, Australia
Ward, Nicholas
School of Engineering Systems, Queensland University of Technology, Gardens Point, QLD, Australia
Steinberg, Theodore
School of Engineering Systems, Queensland University of Technology, Gardens Point, QLD, Australia
Wilson, Richard
School of Mathematics, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
Pages: 11
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JAI101004
ISSN: 1546-962X
DOI: 10.1520/JAI101004