Flame

Building density, not trees, was strongest predictor of home loss in los angeles firestorms, finds new Cal Poly study

Texas A&M opens world’s largest academic controlled-explosions lab

The new facility enables scientists to observe and measure detonation forces in unprecedented detail, shedding light on industrial safety risks and potential breakthroughs. Researchers aim to develop safer designs and protocols by examining detonation disasters like the Buncefield Fire.

The giant fire tornado that could save our oceans

Researchers have developed a new method for cleaning oil spills using massive fire whirls, which can burn through crude oil nearly twice as fast as in-situ fire pools. The results show that fire whirls produce 40% less soot and consume up to 95% of the fuel, leaving fewer harmful particles behind.

Flame-retardant recyclable epoxy networks: Strategies, mechanisms, and future directions

Researchers have developed strategies to balance fire safety, recyclability, and network stability in flame-retardant recyclable epoxy systems. By integrating dynamic covalent bonds and flame-retardant groups into the epoxy crosslinking network, these systems can improve fire safety and recyclability while maintaining structural integr...

NASA taps UTA for wildfire smoke warning system

The University of Texas at Arlington researcher Yunyao Li has been selected by NASA to develop a system that provides early warnings of hazardous air pollution from wildfires. The project aims to enhance wildfire air quality forecasting capabilities and develop tools for decision-making processes related to health management.

SwRI, U-Michigan engineers create more effective burner to reduce methane emissions

Researchers at SwRI and U-M have created a new methane flare burner using additive manufacturing and machine learning that eliminates 98% of methane vented during oil production. The burner's design, with a complex nozzle base and impeller, allows for efficient combustion even in challenging crosswind conditions.

Generating international testing standards for large outdoor fires

A task group led by Samuel L. Manzello is developing international standards for large outdoor fires, including wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires. The new standards aim to improve resilience against these types of fires, which are becoming increasingly common due to urbanization and climate change.

New device uses electrically assisted wind to fight fires

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new portable tool that can deliver conductive aerosols to suppress flames using the power of vortex rings. The device was tested in two prototypes, both of which had an effective range of nearly 2 meters, and showed promise in suppressing fires.

Researchers develop breakthrough one-step flame retardant for cotton textiles

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a non-toxic coating that can reduce the flammability of cotton using a single step. The technology uses a polyelectrolyte complex coating and has been optimized for scalability and efficiency, making it suitable for industrial applications.

New gels could protect buildings during wildfires

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a water-enhancing gel that lasts longer and is significantly more effective than existing commercial gels. The new gel creates a silica-based aerogel shield that protects structures from heat and flames, offering enhanced and long-lasting wildfire protection.

Revolutionizing fire safety: the emergence of PA-DAD as a sustainable flame retardant for epoxy resin composites

Researchers have developed a bio-based hyperbranched flame retardant called PA-DAD, which significantly improves the limiting oxygen index values and UL-94 ratings of epoxy resin composites. The addition of PA-DAD also enhances the mechanical properties of EP composites, including tensile, flexural, and impact strengths.

Researchers conducted a first-ever comprehensive review on the preparation of MOF-based flame retardants through coordination bond cleavage

MOFs-based flame retardants have gained attention due to their physicochemical properties and tunable composition. Post-synthesis strategies, including coordination bond cleavage, have increased their application scope. The review highlights the importance of design and structure modification in improving flame retardant efficiency.

Scientists develop ‘flying dragon’ robot to fight fires from a distance

A Japanese research team developed a four-meter-long, remotely controllable flying firehose robot called the Dragon Firefighter. It can safely and efficiently extinguish fires by directly approaching flames. The robot will be deployed in real-world firefighting scenarios after approximately 10 more years of development.

Low-intensity fires reduce wildfire risk by 60%, according to study by Columbia and Stanford researchers

Researchers at Stanford and Columbia universities found that low-intensity fires can dramatically reduce the risk of devastating wildfires for years at a time. By analyzing satellite data from over 100,000 square kilometers of California forests, the team showed that controlled burning can significantly decrease the risk of high-intens...

Cocoa pods — a source of chocolate, and potentially, flame retardants

Researchers have discovered that high-quality lignin can be extracted from cocoa pod husks and modified to have flame-retardant properties. The team's modified lignin biopolymer charred when heated but did not burn, suggesting its potential as a fire suppressant.

Scientists unveil fire-safe fuel

Scientists at the University of California - Riverside have developed a fire-safe fuel that cannot ignite without an external electrical current. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the risk of wildfires and improve energy efficiency.

Nanoscale material offers new way to control fire

Researchers developed a nanoscale material technique called inverse thermal degradation (ITD) to control high-temperature flames and tune material properties. By regulating oxygen access, ITD allows for smoldering rather than bursting into flames, producing carbon tubes with desired characteristics.

Fanning the flames

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis discovered that wildfires emit dark brown carbon, a potent climate-warming particle that absorbs solar radiation. This finding has broad implications for climate models and highlights the need to revise existing approaches to account for the unexpected effects of brown carbon.

New high-speed imaging method captures 3D details of combustion flames

Researchers developed a new method for capturing turbulent flame behavior, providing detailed insights into flame dynamics, ignition processes and combustion efficiency. The high-speed 3D imaging approach can be used to optimize energy production processes and improve fire safety measures.

Freeze charges in flames

Researchers at KAUST studied the use of high voltages to control charged particles in flames, which could lead to improved flame stability and reduced soot formation. The team developed a simulation to understand this phenomenon and tested its predictions by studying a flame inside a cavity exposed to electric fields of up to 2,500 volts.

Do we understand the flickering flames?

A research team at Toyohashi University of Technology discovered that the flickering of flames can be controlled by moving two flames closer together or further apart. By periodically adjusting the distance between flames, they were able to stably express the state of “stopping the flickering of flames”, a phenomenon previously unknown...

QUT research shows bushfire safe rooms may save lives

Researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have built and tested a full-scale bushfire safe room that demonstrates excellent heat resistance. The results suggest the shelter could keep people alive for up to two hours in extreme conditions, but further testing is needed to confirm human survivability.

Researchers publish comprehensive review on pool fire dynamics

A comprehensive review paper provides insights into the diffusion of pool fire combustion and fire dynamics, uncovering thermal feedback mechanisms and non-linear evolution of combustion rates. The research has significant implications for understanding pool fire behavior under varying environments.

Experts demand fire safety policy change over health impact of widely used flame retardants

Experts call for a comprehensive review of UK's fire safety regulations to address the environmental and health risks of chemical flame retardants. The chemicals are found in various products, including furniture and building materials, and have been linked to health risks such as cancer and DNA damage.

Celebrating with green, eye-catching sparklers (video)

Rare-earth metal alloys create new types of color-changing and branching sparks. The study found that these alloys, such as ytterbium and neodymium, produce more colorful sparks than single-metal powders.

AI may come to the rescue of future firefighters

Researchers developed a Flashover Prediction Neural Network (FlashNet) model to forecast deadly fire events, beating other AI-based tools with up to 92.1% accuracy across various building floorplans. The model's performance improved when given real-world data, highlighting its potential for saving firefighter lives.

Silicone wristbands track firefighters’ exposures to harmful chemicals

Recent research by scientists at Duke University has found that ordinary silicone wristbands can absorb semi-volatile organic compounds firefighters are exposed to while working, tracking their risk of cancer. The study reveals strong associations between active firefighting and exposure to certain contaminants.

Making wooden construction materials fire-resistant with an eco-friendly coating (video)

Researchers have developed a new type of coating that can limit the flammability of wood used in construction, potentially providing more time to escape fires and curb their spread. The environmentally friendly flame retardant could also be used for other flammable materials.

After California’s 3rd-largest wildfire, deer returned home while trees were ‘still smoldering’

Researchers tracked black-tailed deer before, during, and after the Mendocino Complex Fire, finding that all 18 deer survived. Despite burned areas with no vegetation, most deer returned home within hours, potentially due to their loyalty to habitat. However, some deer's body condition declined as they expanded their range.

Wildfires and microgravity: NSF-funded research team will use the ISS to better understand fire spread

A new study aims to use the microgravity conditions of space to better understand how flames spread on Earth. By performing complementary ground-based and microgravity experiments, researchers can precisely measure flame spread along a combustible object, allowing for more accurate predictions of wildfire behavior.

NIST's emberometer could gauge threat of wildfire-spreading embers

The NIST-developed emberometer uses digital cameras to track embers in mid-air and reconstruct their 3D shapes. This tool helps researchers understand the behavior of embers, which can aid in developing better protection for structures during wildfires.

Fire operations-prescribed burning combo reduces wildfire severity up to 72%

Researchers found that combining prescribed fires with suppression operations reduces tree mortality by 72%, compared to 22% for operations alone. The study's findings suggest that prescribed burns have a strong moderating effect on wildfires, making fire management strategies more effective.

Researchers use JUWELS for record-breaking simulations of turbulence's smallest structures

Researchers used high-performance computing to study turbulent jet flames, improving combustion models by understanding intermittency in turbulence simulations. This work focuses on the smallest structures of turbulence and its implications for engineering goals like aerospace technologies and power plants.

Want a healthier home? Start with your couch

A new study shows that replacing couches with no added flame retardants significantly decreases levels of toxic chemicals in household dust. Replacing foam inside cushions is also effective, confirming that choosing healthier furniture can make a big difference in people's everyday exposures to these toxic chemicals.

Climate-friendly foam building insulation may do more harm than good

The use of polymeric flame retardant PolyFR in eco-friendly foam insulation poses health risks and environmental concerns. Alternative insulation materials like mineral fibers can be used instead.

Tracking and fighting fires on earth and beyond

Researchers at NASA's John H. Glenn Research Center use microgravity to study fire whirls, shedding light on ways fires burn without gravity and informing protective measures for astronauts. New computational fluid dynamics models improve predictions of wildfire behavior by accounting for varying fuel moisture content.

Blue whirl flame structure revealed with supercomputers

Researchers used XSEDE-allocated supercomputers to simulate the structure of the blue whirl, a new type of flame that consists of four separate flames. The simulations revealed the three types of flames that make up the bright rim of the blue whirl, which can be used to burn fuels more cleanly.

High levels of toxic flame retardant chemicals found in dust inside college classrooms

Researchers found high levels of toxic flame retardants in college classroom dust, with outdated furniture showing significantly lower levels. The study highlights the need to reduce harmful exposures and create healthier indoor environments, especially in institutions like colleges, offices, libraries, and hospitals.

Under pressure, nontoxic salt-based propellant performs well

Researchers at the University of Illinois have studied the combustion velocity of a nontoxic salt-based propellant called FAM-110A. The findings indicate that the propellant has a Goldilocks zone where its burn rate is neither too high nor too low, making it suitable for rocket engine design.

Safer, more comfortable soldier uniforms are in the works

Scientists have created a novel way of creating a flame-retardant, insect-repellent fabric using nontoxic substances. The new fabric was found to perform at least 20% better than the untreated material in heat release capacity and total heat release tests.

UMD researchers identify structure of blue whirls

Researchers at the University of Maryland have identified the structure of blue whirls, which produce almost no soot when burning. The team discovered that vortex breakdown enables the blue-whirl structure to emerge, comprising three flames meeting in a triple flame ring.

New research reveals mysterious blue whirl flame structure

A new study reveals that the mysterious blue whirl flame consists of three different structures: diffusion, premixed rich, and lean flames. The researchers' simulations suggest that these flames can be controlled and scaled up safely to larger sizes.

Study finds another reason to wash hands: Flame retardants

A study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found that halogenated flame retardants from old TVs can be transferred to hands, cell phones, and indoor air, posing a health risk. Frequent handwashing is essential to reduce exposure to these toxic chemicals.

A study analyzes the unexpected behavior of hydrogen flames

Researchers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid analyze the physical behavior of hydrogen flames, revealing they can propagate in extremely narrow gaps and form fractal patterns. This unexpected behavior has significant implications for designing safe hydrogen storage systems and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SwRI fire study reveals how country, code variations impact escape time

A study by SwRI found that US and French-furnished rooms reached flashover in 5-6 minutes, while the UK room took 22 minutes. The UK furniture had more fire-retardant protection and lower smoke toxicity.

Toward safer disposal of printed circuit boards

A new method has been developed to remove harmful compounds from waste printed circuit boards. The technique, known as ball-milling, uses a rotating machine to grind up materials and reduce the presence of brominated flame retardants. By breaking down these potentially toxic substances, scientists aim to minimize environmental pollution.

Researchers discover universal mechanisms controlling terrestrial and astrophysical explosions

A new study published in Science reveals the critical criteria for driving a flame to self-generate turbulence and transition into detonation, applicable to both Type Ia supernovae and hypersonic jet propulsion. This discovery may aid the understanding of certain kinds of supernovae and potentially lead to advancements in air and space...

New flame retardants, old problems

A study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found that new organophosphate flame retardants have been associated with lower IQ in children and reproductive problems. These chemicals are also being carried by wind and water far from their origin, polluting areas worldwide.

New concept for novel fire extinguisher in space

A research team at Toyohashi University of Technology has developed a novel fire extinguisher concept called Vacuum Extinguish Method (VEM), which uses vacuum to suck in flames and combustion products. This method is suitable for enclosed spaces like spacecraft or submarines, where traditional extinguishers can spread harmful gases.

Characterization of 'hidden' dioxins from informal e-waste processing

The study found major dioxins detected were polybrominated and mixed halogenated dibenzofurans, suggesting PBDEs as a source. High concentrations of PXDFs indicate these 'hidden' dioxins contribute substantially to e-waste-derived dioxin toxicity.

How to protect gymnasts from hazardous chemicals at gym facilities

A new study shows replacing flame retardant-free foam pit cubes can significantly lower gymnast exposures, with a 5.4-fold decrease observed. The switch also has implications for other recreational facilities with similar equipment.

Research shows hidden fire risk of emollients

A recent study published in the Fire Safety Journal found that commonly-used emollients can increase fabric flammability, posing a hidden fire risk. The research, conducted by Anglia Ruskin University, tested various emollients and found that even paraffin-free products can ignite fabrics quickly.

'Environmentally friendly' flame retardant could degrade into less safe compounds

Researchers found that a promising eco-friendly flame retardant, polymeric flame retardant (polyFR), can break down into potentially hazardous substances when exposed to heat or ultraviolet light. The degradation process yields small, brominated compounds with the potential to cause toxic effects on organisms.

Large scale preparation method of high quality SWNT sponges

A new flame burning method was developed to prepare single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) sponges on a large scale, achieving mass production and low energy consumption. The resulting SWNT sponges exhibit high conductivity, moderate organic liquid adsorption, good elasticity, and high specific capacitance.

NIST shows laser ranging can 'see' 3D objects melting in fires

Researchers at NIST have used LADAR to map distances to objects melting behind flames with precision of 30 micrometers or better. The method could help overcome challenges posed by structural fires.

Putting gas under pressure

Researchers at KAUST have discovered that gas flames are more unstable at high pressures, which can lead to increased noise and pollution emissions. The study found that pressure fluctuations can cause thermoacoustic instability in gas turbines, potentially leading to damage or explosion.

Handwashing and house cleaning may protect against unhealthy chemicals

Researchers found that handwashing and house cleaning can effectively lower exposure to flame retardants, with a 43% decrease in Tris levels measured in urine after both interventions. The study's results support the EPA's recommendations for reducing exposure to these chemicals.

Sandia's Direct Numerical Simulations enhance combustion efficiency, reduces pollution

Researchers discovered novel behavior of cool flames in diesel combustion, accelerating ignition kernel formation and improving engine design efficiency. The study used Direct Numerical Simulations to resolve all turbulence scales and has the potential to optimize engine design for cleaner burning engines.

Gazing into the flames of ionic winds

KAUST researchers have produced detailed 3D visualizations of ionic winds flowing from a flame in response to direct and alternating electric fields. The study reveals that negative ions play a crucial role in shaping the wind dynamics.

Engines fire without smoke

A team of researchers at KAUST has created a computational model to simulate soot production in gasoline engines, allowing car makers to test potential changes to reduce emissions. By analyzing the chemical reactions involved in soot formation, the model can help manufacturers optimize engine design and improve fuel efficiency.