Light scattering characteristics and size distribution of smoke and nuisance aerosols

Abstract

This paper presents the differential mass scattering cross section [m 2g -1sr -1] of various non-flaming and flaming fire generated smoke aerosols as well as nuisance aerosols created in the Fire Emulator/Detector Evaluator. These measurements have been determined for two linear polarizations and the scattering angle range of 5° to 135° at a wavelength of 632.8 nm. Small diameter particles have been separated from large particles using the forward scattering information. Discrimination of soot generated by flaming fuels from both smoke aerosols generated by non-flaming fires and nuisance aerosols is demonstrated by the ratio of forward (45°) to backward scattering (135°), the polarization ratio, and dependence on scattering parameter, q = 4πλ -1 sin(θ/2).Copyright © International Association for Fire Safety Science.