Experts on Tour - Peter B. Sunderland

Fire Hazards of Hydrogen Leaks
This presentation examines the types of hydrogen leaks that can support combustion. Hydrogen, methane, and propane diffusion flames on small round burners and leaky compression fittings were observed. In terms of mass flow rate, hydrogen had a lower quenching limit and a higher blowoff limit than either methane or propane. The minimum mass flow rate of hydrogen that can support combustion from a leaking compression fitting was about an order of magnitude lower than the corresponding methane and propane flow rates. Hydrogen flames impinging on aluminum wires and silicon carbide fibers caused far more corrosion than methane flames did. Modern methods of hydrogen fire detection and suppression are discussed.

Fire Hazards of Alternative Vehicle Fuels
Vehicles fueled by alternative fuels are appearing in greater numbers on U.S. highways. This study reviews fire hazards in the existing vehicle fleet and then considers fire hazards in emerging vehicles, including hybrids and fuel-cell vehicles, and vehicles fueled by ethanol, natural gas, and hydrogen. The results are intended to provide fire safety information to vehicle designers, the traveling public, and emergency response personnel.

Biography
Peter B. Sunderland is Assistant Professor of Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland. His research interests are in hydrogen flames, soot, spacecraft fire safety, laminar flames, and vehicle fires. He studied at Cornell University, the University of Massachusetts, and the University of Michigan.