Class 9 > Fire Dynamics > Flashcards

Fire Dynamics Flashcards

This flashcard set supports the Fire Dynamics module within PUAFIR203 Respond to Urban Fire. It focuses on core fire science concepts—combustion, heat transfer, ignition, pyrolysis, fire classes, and gas laws—to help recruits understand how fire develops, spreads, and is controlled. Learners use these cards to recall key terms, apply fire behaviour principles, and reinforce theoretical knowledge for assessment. (20 cards)

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1
Q

What is fire?

A

Fire is the rapid combination of oxygen with fuel in the presence of heat, producing flames, light, and heat.

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2
Q

What are the three sides of the Fire Triangle?

A

Fuel, Oxygen, Heat.

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3
Q

What happens when the Fire Triangle becomes self-sustaining?

A

It forms the Fire Tetrahedron (adds chain reaction).

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4
Q

What are the six main classes of fire?

A

A – Solids: Wood, Paper, Textiles
B – Liquids: Petrol, Alcohol, Diesel
C – Gases: LPG, Natural Gas, Acetylene
D – Metals: *Magnesium, Aluminium, *
E – Electrical: Appliances, Power boards
F – Cooking oils/fats: Deep fryer oil, Vegetable oil, Animal fats

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5
Q

Why must correct extinguishing agents be chosen?

A

Using the wrong agent can be dangerous (e.g. water on fat fires can cause explosions).

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6
Q

What is pyrolysis?

A

The decomposition of a substance by heat, producing flammable gases.

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7
Q

At what temperature can pyrolysis start in wood?

A

Around 150 - 200�C.

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8
Q

What are the three types of ignition?

A

Piloted, Flash Point, and Auto Ignition Temperature (AIT).

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9
Q

What is the Flash Point?

A

The lowest temperature a liquid produces flammable vapour.

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10
Q

What is the Fire Point?

A

The lowest temperature at which vapour sustains a continuous flame.

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11
Q

What is Auto Ignition Temperature (AIT)?

A

The temperature at which a fuel ignites without an external source.

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12
Q

What is the Heat of Combustion?

A

The energy released when a substance undergoes complete combustion.

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13
Q

What does Thornton Rule state?

A

Each kg of oxygen consumed releases 13.1 MJ of energy.

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14
Q

What is Heat Release Rate (HRR)?

A

The amount of heat a fire produces per unit time, measured in watts.

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15
Q

Give an example of HRR: burning sofa vs. cigarette.

A

Sofa = 3 MW,
Smouldering cigarette = ~5 W.

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16
Q

What is Heat Flux?

Study These Flashcards
A

The rate heat is transferred to a surface, measured in kW/m².

17
Q

What are the three main methods of heat transfer?

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A

Conduction, Convection, Radiation.

18
Q

What is conduction?

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A

Heat transfer through direct molecular contact in solids.

19
Q

What is convection?

Study These Flashcards
A

Heat transfer by movement of fluids or gases, responsible for most fire spread.

20
Q

What is radiation in fire dynamics?

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A

Heat transfer via electromagnetic waves, aiding fire spread and ignition of nearby fuels.

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