Abstract

As part of the continuing effort to find an effective, yet safe, replacement compound for the commonly used halon fire suppression agents, we have begun a study of reduced pressure counterflow diffusion flames inhibited with iron pentacarbonyl (Fe(CO)₅). Iron pentacarbonyl has been shown to be a very effective fire suppression agent in small quantities, but there is little understanding of the mechanism of its activity. The goal of this study is to understand the mechanism by which Fe(CO)₅ inhibits flames by coupling experimental measurements with computer modeling of diffusion flames. This project is part of the Next Generation Fire Suppression Program (NGFSP).

© 1998 Optical Society of America