Combustion and fire dynamics research includes the reaction of a range of fuels including solid materials, liquids, and gases. Facilities allow a microscopic investigation of the material response, chemical evaluation of processes, small-scale response, and large scale behavior.
Solid material exposure to high temperatures can cause the material to change state, decompose, ignite, and burn. Research is conducted on the response of solids during all these stages. Examples of solid fuels include composite materials, wood, coal, insulation, intumescent coatings, and building materials.
Laboratory facilities also support research on liquid pool and spill fires, liquid droplet combustion, and gaseous fuel combustion. Research also includes the thermal characterization of fires, combustion product generation during combustion processes, flame spread, compartment fire dynamics, and suppression.
Equipment includes various burners, ovens, solid chemical analyzers, and gas chemical analyzers. A cone calorimeter and intermediate-scale calorimeter hood are currently being added to the facility.