Calculations of radiant heat flux in the proposed floor covering flame spread test apparatus

Abstract

Calculations have been made to determine the radiant heat flux distribution to the test specimen in the proposed radiant panel flame spread test for floor covering materials. Comparison with measured heat flux indicates a significant heat transfer contribution from the enclosure of the test apparatus. Also, nonunif ormities in the temperature of the radiant panel affect the resultant flux distribution. Based on these results, it is expected that two similar test apparatuses would not have identical heat flux profiles along the specimen. Additional calculations were made to illustrate possible heat flux profiles capable with the present apparatus under various panel temperatures and orientations.