Calculating Temperature at a distance from a fire.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the variation of temperature in air at a distance above a bushfire, specifically at an altitude of 120 meters. Participants explore the factors influencing temperature changes due to thermal radiation and convection, without reaching a definitive method or conclusion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to understand how temperature varies with altitude above a bushfire, providing specific temperatures for the fire and the atmosphere.
  • Another suggests researching 'thermal radiation' as a potential avenue for understanding temperature variation.
  • A different participant highlights the importance of natural convection, indicating that heat rising from the fire will significantly affect temperatures even at 120 meters.
  • One participant asserts that measuring the temperature directly may be necessary due to the complexity of the situation.
  • Another agrees with the sentiment that there are too many variables involved, suggesting that the physics may be too complex for a rough estimate.
  • A participant provides a link to a resource on convection heat transfer, suggesting it may help in estimating temperature changes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a general consensus that the problem is complex and that measuring temperature may be necessary. However, there are differing views on the best approach to estimate temperature changes, with some advocating for theoretical exploration and others emphasizing the need for empirical measurement.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the physics involved and the influence of multiple variables, which may affect the accuracy of any estimates made.

Hornet-Wing
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Hi all, I have searched the internet for hours and have come up empty. Perhaps I'm just not entering the correct search terms. What I would like to work out is variation of temperature (in air) with altitude above the fire.

Details:
The fire is a bushfire (a quick search suggests a temperature of 1200C)
Atmosphere temperature being 25C
Altitude above fire 120m

Any ideas how I would go about this task? A rough temperature will be fine.

Thanks for reading!
 
Last edited:
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You might try 'thermal radiation'
 
There should also be a significant amount of heat rising as a result of natural convection, even at 120 M. Look up natural convection from a horizontal surface.
 
This is one of those things that you just got to measure.
 
I'm with Khashishi on this one - there are too many variables, and the physics is too complex to get even a rough estimate.
 
Check out this web site: http://publications.solar-tower.org.uk/2002_Kroger-Convection%20Heat%20Transfer%20Between%20a%20Horizontal%20Surf.pdf

Convection heat transfer between a horizontal surface and the natural environment

This should give you a reasonable start with your estimate.
 

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