FRP 159 Fire Behavior and Combustion

Lecture Hours: 3
Credits: 3

Explores the theories and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread and are controlled. Meets or exceeds FESHE Fire Behavior and Combustion (C0276)

Student Learning Outcomes:

Identify physical properties of the three states of matter.
Categorize the components of fire.
Explain the physical and chemical properties of fire.
Describe and apply the process of burning.
Define and use basic terms and concepts associated with the chemistry and dynamics of fire.
Explain the effect and dangers of air movement on the combustion process.
Discuss various materials and their relationship to fires as fuel.
Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of water as a fire suppression agent.
Articulate other suppression agents and strategies.
Compare other methods and techniques of fire extinguishments.

Content Outline

Introduction.
- Matter and Energy.
- The Atom and its Parts.
- Chemical Symbols.
- Molecules.
- Energy and Work.
- Forms of Energy.
- Transformation of Energy.
- Laws of Energy.
Units of Measurements.
- International Systems (SI) of Measurement.
- English Units of Measurement.
Chemical Reactions.
- Physical States of Matter.
- Compounds and Mixtures.
- Solutions and Solvents.
- Process of Reactions.
Fire and the Physical World.
- Characteristics of Fire.
- Characteristics of Solids.
- Characteristics of Liquids.
- Characteristics of Gases.
Heat and its Effects.
- Production and Measurement of Heat.
- Different Kinds of Heat.
Properties of Solid Materials.
- Common Combustible Solids.
- Plastic and Polymers.
- Combustible Metals.
- Combustible Dust.
Common Flammable Liquids and Gases.
- General Properties of Gases.
- The Gas Laws.
- Classification of Gases.
- Compressed Gases.
Fire Behavior.
- Stages of Fire.
- Fire Phenomena
  - Flashover
  - Backdraft
  - Rollover
  - Flameover
  - Heat Flow
- Fire Plumes.
Fire Extinguishment.
- The Combustion Process.
- The Character of Flame.
- Fire Extinguishment.
Extinguishing Agents.
- Water.
- Foams and Wetting Agents.
- Inert Gas Extinguishing Agents.
- Halogenated Extinguishing Agents.
- Dry Chemical Extinguishing Agents.
- Dry Powder Extinguishing Agents.
Hazards by Classification Types.
- Hazards of Explosives.
- Hazards of Compressed and Liquefied Gases.
- Hazards of Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
- Hazards of Flammable Solids.
- Hazards of Oxidizing Agents.
- Hazards of Poisons.
- Hazards of Radioactive Substances.
- Hazards of Corrosives.