A dynamical systems model of the limiting oxygen index test

Authors

Mark Nelson, University of WollongongFollow
H S. Sidhu, University of New South WalesFollow
R O. Weber, University of New South WalesFollow
G N. Mercer, University of New South WalesFollow

RIS ID

20674

Publication Details

Nelson, M. I., Sidhu, H. S., Weber, R. O. & Mercer, G. N. (2001). A dynamical systems model of the limiting oxygen index test. The ANZIAM Journal, 43 (1), 105-117.

Abstract

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.