Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Formation and Flame Precession of Fire Whirls: A Review

Fire whirls are a particular case of flame behaviour characterized by a rotating column of fire driven by intense convective heating of air close to the ground. They typically result in a substantial increase in burning rate, temperature, and flame height. Fire whirls can occur in any intense flame environment, including urban areas, particularly within combustible structures, and in wildland or forest fires. Recently, investigations on the creation of fire whirls have attracted much attention. However, most analyses are focused on fire whirl structure, formation, and controlling their unique state. In effect, revisiting the available experimental techniques and numerical simulations used in analyzing fire whirls has received less attention. In this paper, experimental arrangements including empirical set ups and employed fuels are presented in detail. Subsequently, major research progress focused on experimental studies and their laboratory setup is fully discussed, followed by the available numerical simulations, including combustion and turbulence models. Applied methodologies and chosen software in the recent numerical studies are also reviewed exclusively. Finally, the latest findings are featured, and prospective pathways are advised.

Automated summary

Fire whirls are rotating columns of fire characterized by intense convective heating of air near the ground, leading to increased burning rate, temperature, and flame height. Research on the creation and analysis of fire whirls has primarily focused on their structure, formation, and control, with less attention given to experimental techniques and numerical simulations. Investigation into experimental setups, empirical arrangements, fuel types, and numerical models has been conducted, with a focus on understanding the behavior of fire whirls in various environments.