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From: gml@ssc-vax.UUCP (Gregory M Lobdell)
Newsgroups: net.sci,net.space
Subject: Would a candle burn ...
Message-ID: <53@ssc-vax.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 18-Jul-85 16:40:23 EDT
Article-I.D.: ssc-vax.53
Posted: Thu Jul 18 16:40:23 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 21-Jul-85 04:17:02 EDT
Distribution: net
Organization: Boeing Aerospace Co., Seattle, WA
Lines: 17
Xref: linus net.sci:107 net.space:2786

... in space?

This question came up the other day in discussion.  We seemed to think
that there would be problems because in the absence of a gravity field
the heated air would not rise.  Thus CO2 would not be pulled away from
the area of burning and O2 would not be pulled in.  Therefore
combustion would not be continuous.

What do you all think.  Have there been any experiments in this area.
I can see how NASA would be leary of any such experiment.  A fire in
space would be worse than a fire on a sailing vessel.  However, if the
above hypothisis is correct, such a fire would never happen.  And if
there was a fire, where would you point the fire extiguister?

Wanting to go for a ride on the Shuttle!
Gregg Lobdell
Boeing Aerospace {I only work for them and their opinions aren't mine}