A consideration of some simple models for assessing heat transfer to objects engulfed in pool fires

Two simple models for assessing the heat flux into objects engulfed in pool fires are considered. The two models differ in that the first models radiation from the fire as coming from a solid black surface surrounding the object while the second represents the flames as a uniform medium of finite thickness. The readings from thermocouples measuring flame temperature is considered using the two models and it is shown that the measured temperature may differ significantly from the true flame temperature. A simple design of instrument for measuring the effective black body radiation temperature is discussed. (author)