INFERNITYFLAME IN FREEFALL

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Attribute
Hardware groupSPICE duct group
Pillars
Prevention
Fuel phaseGaseous
MaterialPropylene, propane, ethylene and selected fuel mixtures
ShapeLaminar gas jet in a co-flowing oxidizer
SizeThree nozzle sizes
O2 concentration21%
PressureVaried / not specified
AirflowVaried / not specified
FacilityMicrogravity Science Glovebox (MSG) with the SPICE flow duct
Module / vehicleInternational Space Station
Sensors
  • Video and still cameras for luminous flame shape
  • Thermocouple rake for temperature field
  • Anemometer for co-flow velocity
  • Gas delivery and mass flow controllers
Variables tested
  • Fuel type and fuel mixture
  • Nozzle diameter
  • Co-flow air velocity
  • Fuel flow rate up to the smoke point
ObjectivesDetermine the laminar smoke point of non-buoyant jet diffusion flames, measure flame shape and stabilization height, and verify temperature-field predictions.
Key findings
  • Completed 250 combustion tests with propylene, propane, ethylene and other mixtures.
  • Identified more than 70 smoke points, yielding estimates of soot-forming conditions and flame dimensions.
  • Showed how co-flowing air speed affects smoke points and soot production in microgravity.
  • Soot controls radiative heat emission, which is central to predicting fire spread and heat release in spacecraft fires.
Relevant environments
Spacecraft cabinSpace stationLunar base
SourceNASA PSI