Slide-Rule Estimates of Fire Growth.

Published

June 1, 1985

Author(s)

James R. Lawson, Jim G. Quintiere

Abstract

A series of prediction methods have been assembled to provide an analytical basis for estimating fire growth in compartments. Solutions for each prediction method can be made using programmable scientific calculators. Prediction methods are presented for: fire size and growth rates, mass loss rates, radiant heat flux, flame height, radial flame impingement, heat flux to a ceiling, smoke filling of a room, carbon monoxide hazard with smoldering fires, temperature ruse in a compartment, ventilation flow rate, flashover ocurrence, corridor smoke transfer and filling, smoke concentration, visibility, flame spread rates, and fire burn time. These predictive methods are useful for estimating many of the critical elements related to fire behavior and help provide a better understanding of this complex phenomenon. This report appears as Appendix B in Fire Growth in Combat Ships by J.G. Quintiere, H.R. Baum and J.R. Lawson, NBSIR 85-3159.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) -

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

calculators, computer programs, fire growth, fire models, room fires, smoke filling

Citation

Lawson, J. and Quintiere, J. (1985), Slide-Rule Estimates of Fire Growth., NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=100182 (Accessed May 1, 2026)

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