Not
Just Another Old Flame -
NASA scientists have discovered
unexpected spiral-shaped flames
on Earth. By studying these
peculiar flames, researchers
hope to mitigate fire hazards on
spacecraft and gain new insights
about complex systems in nature.
The forms of flames on Earth are
familiar to everyone. We all
know what a burning match,
candle, fireplace or blowtorch
look like -- or a burning
building, or rocket ignition
blast. The presence of gravity
and the effects of air or gas
movement, plus the type of fuel
and oxidant, determine
everything from a flame's shape
and temperature to burn rate,
burn pattern, soot production
and deposition and how fast it
will or won't be extinguished...
