Wind action on whirling flame characteristics

The behavior of whirling flame above a pool fire under cross wind was studied using a small wind tunnel. Whirling flames with different heat release rates were generated by an experimental rig. Effect of different wind speeds on the whirling flame was studied by an oil pool of two different diameters. Lateral images of the whirling flame collected were analyzed. Results show that under cross flow, the whirling flame was deflected along the direction of incoming flow. With the increase in wind speed, the deflection angle increased gradually. The angle also increased with the increase in pool diameter. When the cross flow increased to a certain value, the flame stopped swirling, and changed to an irregular shape. The maximum cross wind speed of the flame that did not stop flame rotation decreased with diameter. Crosswind with lower speed would raise the temperature of the whirling flame. When the wind speed was higher than a critical value, the temperature was reduced because burning rate decreased.