Exploratory experiments with magnesium fires

Abstract

Experiments are reported which provide a qualitative measure of the burning behavior of a variety of magnesium alloys. Of the alloys tested those prepared by casting exhibited the greatest flammability. It is suggested that heavy sections be used in the fabrication of magnesium tool parts since in this way ignition can be made more difficult. A few experiments were performed which seem to indicate that under certain conditions nitrogen and carbon dioxide in gaseous form may be quite useful for control of such fires. Liquid nitrogen was found to be effective for control of magnesium fires.