A dynamical systems model of the limiting oxygen index test

Abstract

Oxygen index methods have been widely used to measure the fiammability of polymeric materials and to investigate the effectiveness of fire-retardants. Using a dynamical systems framework we show how a limiting oxygen index can be identified with an appropriate bifurcation. The effectiveness of fire-retardants in changing the limiting oxygen index is calculated by unfolding the bifurcation point with a suitable non-dimensionalised variable, which depends upon the mode of action of the additive. In order to use this procedure it is essential the model is non-dimensionalised so as to retain the variables of interest as distinct continuation parameters. © 2001 Australian Mathematical Society.