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A dynamical systems model of the limiting oxygen index test

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 February 2009

M. I. Nelson,
H. S. Sidhu,
R. O. Weber and
G. N. Mercer
M. I. Nelson
Affiliation:
Department of Fuel and Energy, The University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, England.
H. S. Sidhu
Affiliation:
School of Mathematics and Statistics, University College, University of New South Wales, Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra 2600, Australia.
R. O. Weber
Affiliation:
School of Mathematics and Statistics, University College, University of New South Wales, Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra 2600, Australia.
G. N. Mercer
Affiliation:
School of Mathematics and Statistics, University College, University of New South Wales, Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra 2600, Australia.
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Abstract

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Oxygen index methods have been widely used to measure the flammability of polymeric materials and to investigate the effectiveness of fire-retardants. Using a dynamical systems framework we show how a limiting oxygen index can be identified with an appropriate bifurcation.

The effectiveness of fire-retardants in changing the limiting oxygen index is calculated by unfolding the bifurcation point with a suitable non-dimensionalised variable, which depends upon the mode of action of the additive. In order to use this procedure it is essential the model is non-dimensionalised so as to retain the variables of interest as distinct continuation parameters.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
The ANZIAM Journal , Volume 43 , Issue 1 , July 2001, pp. 105 - 117
Copyright
Copyright © Australian Mathematical Society 2001

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