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Experiments / SPICE flow duct

SPICEBasic flame science

Smoke Point In Co-flow Experiment

Measured the point at which a jet flame starts releasing soot, across fuels, nozzle sizes and airflow.

NASA's own record
An astronaut floats beside a laptop and the glovebox on the space station.
Astronaut Michael Barratt starts a SPICE session, April 2009. NASA photograph iss019e012391.

What burned

Gas

Propylene, propane, ethylene and 1 more

Where

On the space station

In orbit, where everything is weightless

How much data

469 tests

Each one is a row in NASA's table

What they changed between tests

  • fuel
  • nozzle diameter
  • fuel flow rate
  • coflow velocity

What it found

  1. 1 of 2

    SPICE built the fan-driven flow duct that BASS, BASS-II and SLICE later reused.

    NASA's words

    “Each of these investigations was conducted within the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) using the modular fan-driven flow duct built for SPICE.” NASA challenge statement

  2. 2 of 2

    It is one of the largest itemized data sets in PSI.

    NASA's words

    “In total 526 flames were studied.” PSI record

Summarized by the SI. Each summary is tied to a quotation that the build checks against NASA's text. A matching quote is not a scientific review.

What it helps with

  • Stopping a fire from starting

    Which materials burn, and in what air

    Touches on it

  • Noticing a fire early

    What smoke looks like to a detector

    Touches on it

  • Putting a fire out

    What makes a flame go out

    Not an aim

For researchers: NASA's full recordThe conditions tested, every row of the table, NASA's description, publications and hardware
ISSMicrogravity InvestigationSPICE flow ductCompare with othersdoi:10.60555/9kbh-e962

Shared hardware: One small fan-driven wind tunnel, built for SPICE, was reused for solids and for jet flames. Experiments that shared hardware share its limits, so their results can be compared directly.

Why it counts as fire-safety research

“Other combustion investigations within the PSI database (but not explicitly referenced above) are still relevant to fire safety, just not as strongly or directly.” NASA challenge statement

NASA's words behind each rating

  • Prevention1 of 3

    “Will improve our understanding of soot formation mechanisms and help design safer spacecraft environments.”

  • Detection1 of 3

    “Identify the laminar smoke-point properties of non-buoyant jet diffusion flames under various co-flow conditions in microgravity.”

  • Suppression0 of 3

    Not an aim of this investigation.

Conditions covered

Oxygen in the atmosphere
21%
Pressure
101 kPa
Flow speed
0.66 to 85.3 cm/s
Itemized rows
469
469 tests

Fuels and materials

propylene (368), propane (50), ethylene (47), ethane (4)

Measurements named in the PSI record

  • Flame imaging
  • Radiometry
  • Flow velocity

How the tests differ, and how they are the same

Worked out from the 469 rows of the PSI table. A variable that is not listed was not reported, which is different from being held fixed.

Changed from test to test

Flow speed
0.66 cm/s to 85.3 cm/sreported in 436 of 469 rows
Fuel or material
4 different values
Fuel fraction
50% to 75%reported in 246 of 469 rows
Fuel flow rate
0 mg/s to 4.4 mg/sreported in 457 of 469 rows
Characteristic size
0.406 mm to 1.6 mm
Smoke point length
17.6 mm to 105.2 mmreported in 4 of 469 rows
Flame length (Data II column Length)
2.28 mm to 110.4 mmreported in 67 of 469 rows
Maximum flame width
3.52 mm to 6.78 mmreported in 15 of 469 rows
Flame height from the Nikon still
14.4 mm to 109.9 mmreported in 15 of 469 rows

The same in every test

Oxygen
21%
Oxygen refers to
ambient
Pressure
101 kPaassumed
Fuel phase
gas
Geometry
coflow jet

Rows from the PSI table

Click a row for the source of every value. Filter and export

RecordTypeFuel or materialShapeOxygenPressureFlow, cm/sOutcomeDate
Day 45 14:37:08Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed36.4
Day 45 14:37:08Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed36.4
Day 45 14:50:07Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed40.1
Day 45 14:50:07Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed40.1
Day 45 15:35:44Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed57.1
Day 45 15:35:44Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed57.1
Day 45 15:35:44Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed57.1
Day 45 15:42:22Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed58
Day 45 15:42:22Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed58
Day 45 15:48:39Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed17.6
Day 45 15:48:39Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed17.6
Day 45 15:50:59Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed16.6
Day 45 15:50:59Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed16.6
Day 45 17:11:46Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed33.6
Day 45 17:11:46Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed33.6
Day 45 17:15:05Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed34.5
Day 45 17:15:05Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed35.5
Day 45 17:20:46Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed58
Day 45 17:20:47Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed59
Day 45 17:23:03Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed57.1
Day 45 17:23:03Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed57.1
Day 45 17:27:48Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed17.6
Day 45 17:27:48Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed18.5
Day 45 17:29:49Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed16.6
Day 45 17:29:48Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed16.6
Day 48 14:32:05Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed35.5
Day 48 14:33:57Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed35.5
Day 48 14.34.57Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed35.5
Day 48 14:43:57Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed58
Day 48 14.43.58Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 48 14:48:19Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed17.6
Day 48 14:48:19Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed16.6
Day 48 14:48:19Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed15.7
Day 48 14:48:19Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed15.7
Day 48 14:48:19Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed15.7
Day 48 14.48.19Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed17.6
Day 48 14.48.19Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed17.6
Day 48 14.48.19Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed17.6
Day 48 14.48.19Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed16.6
Day 48 14.48.19Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed15.7
Day 48 14.48.19Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed15.7
Day 48 14.48.19Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed15.7
Day 48 16:53:44Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed43
Day 48 16.53.45Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 48 17:01:35Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed46.7
Day 48 17:01:35Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed45.8
Day 48 17.01.36Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed46.7
Day 48 17.01.36Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 48 17:11:21Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed35.5
Day 48 17:11:21Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed35.5
Day 48 17.11.21Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed36.4
Day 48 17.11.21Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 48 1744Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed22.3
Day 48 1746Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed22.3
Day 48 17.44.38Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed22.3
Day 48 17.44.38Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 52 11:38:51Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed33.6
Day 52 11:38:51Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed34.5
Day 52 11.38.51Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed32.6
Day 52 11.38.51Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 52 11:42:49Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed20.4
Day 52 11:42:49Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed21.4
Day 52 11.42.50Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed20.4
Day 52 11.42.50Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 52 11:49:35Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed15.7
Day 52 11:49:35Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed15.7
Day 52 11.49.35Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed15.7
Day 52 11.49.35Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed15.7
Day 52 12.01.47Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed33.6
Day 52 12.01.47Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed33.6
Day 52 12:21:19Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed32.6
Day 52 12:21:19Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed32.6
Day 52 12.21.19Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed33.6
Day 52 12.21.19Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed32.6
Day 52 12:26:14Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27
Day 52 12:26:14Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27
Day 52 12.26.44Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27
Day 52 12.26.44Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27
Day 52 12.28.52Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed14.8
Day 52 12.28.52Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed14.8
Day 52 12:42:47Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed16.6
Day 52 12:42:47Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed15.7
Day 52 12.42.47Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed16.6
Day 52 12.42.47Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed15.7
Day 52 13:02:02Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed38.3
Day 52 13:02:02Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed37.3
Day 52 13.02.02Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed37.3
Day 52 13.02.02Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 52 13:04:25Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed66.5
Day 52 13:04:25Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed66.5
Day 52 13.04.25Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed66.5
Day 52 13.04.25Testpropanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed66.5
Day 52 16:09:00Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed12.9
Day 52 no kuTestpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed12.9
Day 52 no kuTestpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed12.9
Day 52 16.14.05Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed64.6
Day 52 16.14.05Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed65.5
Day 52 16.22.17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed29.8
Day 52 16.22.17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed28.9
Day 52 16.22.17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed29.8
Day 52 Ku LOSTestpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 52 Ku LOSTestpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 52 Ku LOSTestpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed50.5
Day 52 17:10:12Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11.9
Day 52 17:10:12Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11.9
Day 52 17:10:12Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11.9
Day 52 17:10:12Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11.9
Day 52 17:25:47Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed61.8
Day 52 17:25:47Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed60.8
Day 52 17:25:47Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed59.9
Day 52 17.25.49Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed61.8
Day 52 17.25.49Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed60.8
Day 52 17.25.49Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed59.9
Day 52 17:30:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed37.3
Day 52 17:30:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed37.3
Day 52 17:30:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed37.3
Day 52 17.30.18Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed38.3
Day 52 17.30.18Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed37.3
Day 52 17.30.18Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed37.3
Day 52 17:47:11Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed13.8
Day 52 17:47:11Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed13.8
Day 52 17.47.12Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed13.8
Day 52 17.47.12Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed13.8
Day 52 17.47.12Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed13.8
Day 52 17:50:49Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed41.1
Day 52 17:50:49Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed41.1
Day 52 17.50.49Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed41.1
Day 52 17.50.49Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed41.1
Day 52 17.50.49Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed41.1
Day 52 17.50.49Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed41.1
Day 52 17.50.49Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed41.1
Day 52 17:58:09Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed66.5
Day 52 17:58:09Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed66.5
Day 52 17:58:09Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed66.5
Day 52 17.58.10Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed67.4
Day 52 17.58.10Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed66.5
Day 52 17.58.10Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed66.5
Day 52 17.58.10Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed85.3
Day 52 17.58.10Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed66.5
Day 52 17.58.10Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed66.5
Day 55 8:56:16Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed10.1
Day 55 8:56:16Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed10.1
Day 55 8:56:16Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed10.1
Day 55 8:56:16Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed10.1
Day 55 8:56:16Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed10.1
Day 55 8:56:16Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed10.1
Day 55 8:56:16Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed10.1
Day 55 9:00:26Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed57.1
Day 55 9:00:26Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed57.1
Day 55 9:00:26Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed57.1
Day 55 9:00:26Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed57.1
Day 55 9:00:26Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed57.1
Day 55 9:00:26Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed57.1
Day 55 9:00:26Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed57.1
Day 55 9:36:14Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed26.1
Day 55 9:36:14Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed26.1
Day 55 9:36:14Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed25.1
Day 55 9:36:14Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed26.1
Day 55 9:36:14Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed26.1
Day 55 9:36:14Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed25.1
Day 55 9:39:14Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed40.1
Day 55 9:39:14Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed40.1
Day 55 9:39:14Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed39.2
Day 55 9:39:14Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed40.1
Day 55 9:39:14Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed39.2
Day 55 9:39:14Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed39.2
Day 55 9:39:14Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed39.2
Day 55 9:49:56Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11.9
Day 55 9:49:56Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11
Day 55 9:49:56Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11
Day 55 9:49:56Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11.9
Day 55 9:49:56Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11
Day 55 9:49:56Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11
Day 55 9:49:56Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11
Day 55 9:53:36Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed26.1
Day 55 9:53:36Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27
Day 55 9:53:36Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27
Day 55 9:53:36Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27
Day 55 9:53:36Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27
Day 55 9:53:36Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed26.1
Day 55 10:01:00Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed42
Day 55 10:01:00Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed42
Day 55 10:01:00Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed42
Day 55 10:01:00Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed42
Day 55 10:15:39Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed15.7
Day 55 10:15:39Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed25.1
Day 55 10:15:39Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed15.7
Day 55 10:15:39Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed14.8
Day 55 10:25:40Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27
Day 55 10:25:40Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27
Day 55 10:25:40Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27
Day 55 10:25:40Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed26.1
Day 55 10:34:07Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11
Day 55 10:34:07Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed12.9
Day 55 10:34:07Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed22.3
Day 55 10:34:07Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed39.2
Day 55 10:34:07Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed45.8
Day 55 10:34:07Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed50.5
Day 55 10:34:07Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11
Day 55 10:34:07Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed14.8
Day 55 10:34:07Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed23.2
Day 55 10:34:07Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed33.6
Day 55 10:34:07Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed45.8
Day 55 10:34:07Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed50.5
Day 55 10:52:20Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11
Day 55 10:52:20Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11
Day 55 10:52:20Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11
Day 55 11:12:41Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed10.1
Day 55 11:12:41Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11
Day 55 11:12:41Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11
Day 55 11:12:41Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11
Day 55 11:12:41Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11
Day 55 11:12:41Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed10.1
Day 58 9:37:52Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed9.13
Day 58 9:37:52Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed9.13
Day 58 9:37:52Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed9.13
Day 58 9:37:52Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed9.13
Day 58 9:44:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed21.4
Day 58 9:44:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed22.3
Day 58 9:44:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed22.3
Day 58 9:44:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed22.3
Day 58 9:44:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed22.3
Day 58 9:47:05Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed34.5
Day 58 9:47:05Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed33.6
Day 58 9:47:05Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed33.6
Day 58 9:47:05Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed33.6
Day 58 9:47:05Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed34.5
Day 58 9:55:18Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed50.5
Day 58 9:55:18Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed50.5
Day 58 9:55:18Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed50.5
Day 58 9:55:18Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed50.5
Day 58 9:55:18Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed50.5
Day 58 Ku LOSTestpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 58 Ku LOSTestpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 58 Ku LOSTestpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 58 10:13:22Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed7.24
Day 58 10:13:22Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed6.3
Day 58 10:13:22Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed6.3
Day 58 10:18:27Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 58 10:18:27Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 58 10:18:27Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 58 10:36:19Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27.9
Day 58 10:36:19Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27.9
Day 58 10:36:19Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27
Day 58 10:41:14Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed41.1
Day 58 10:41:14Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed40.1
Day 58 10:41:14Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed40.1
Day 58 11:23:08Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed4.42
Day 58 11:23:08Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed4.42
Day 58 11:25:49Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed14.8
Day 58 11:25:49Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed14.8
Day 58 11:25:49Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed14.8
Day 58 11:25:49Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed14.8
Day 58 11:32:00Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27
Day 58 11:32:00Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed26.1
Day 58 11:34:18Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed39.2
Day 58 n/aTestpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 58 11:42:53Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed40.1
Day 58 11:42:53Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed40.1
Day 58 11:55:33Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed41.1
Day 58 11:55:33Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed39.2
Day 58 12:00:46Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed41.1
Day 58 Ku LOSTestpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 58 12:15:41Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed41.1
Day 58 12:42:59Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27
Day 58 12:42:59Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27
Day 58 12:42:59Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27
Day 58 12:45:46Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27
Day 119 10:28:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed13.8
Day 119 10:28:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed12.9
Day 119 10:28:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed12.9
Day 119 10:28:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed12.9
Day 119 10:38:34Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27
Day 119 10:38:34Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27
Day 119 10:38:34Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed26.1
Day 119 10:38:34Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed25.1
Day 136 15:52:00Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed24.2
Day 136 15:52:00Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed23.2
Day 136 15:52:00Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed23.2
Day 136 15:57:26Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed17.6
Day 136 15:57:26Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed16.6
Day 136 15:57:26Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed16.6
Day 136 15:57:26Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed16.6
Day 136 15:57:26Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed16.6
Day 136 16:33:58Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed20.4
Day 136 16:33:58Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed15.7
Day 136 16:33:58Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed15.7
Day 136 16:33:58Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed15.7
Day 136 16:33:58Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed15.7
Day 136 16:39:21Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed22.3
Day 136 16:39:21Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed21.4
Day 136 16:39:21Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed22.3
Day 136 16:39:21Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed22.3
Day 136 16:39:21Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed21.4
Day 136 16:52:19Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 136 16:54:20Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed0.66
Day 136 16:56:22Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 136 16:56:22Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 136 16:56:22Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 136 16:56:22Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 136 17:21:33Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed14.8
Day 136 17:21:33Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed14.8
Day 136 17:21:33Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed13.8
Day 136 17:21:33Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed13.8
Day 167 9:20:12Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed13.8
Day 167 9:20:12Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed12.9
Day 167 9:20:12Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed12.9
Day 167 9:31:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed26.1
Day 167 9:31:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed26.1
Day 167 9:31:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed26.1
Day 167 9:39:28Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed41.1
Day 167 9:39:28Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed40.1
Day 167 9:39:28Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed40.1
Day 167 9:44:52Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed48.6
Day 167 9:44:52Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed47.7
Day 167 9:44:52Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed47.7
Day 167 9:59:46Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed39.2
Day 167 9:59:46Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed40.1
Day 167 9:59:46Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed40.1
Day 167 9:59:46Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed39.2
Day 167 9:59:46Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed40.1
Day 167 9:59:46Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed40.1
Day 167 9:59:46Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed39.2
Day 167 9:59:46Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed40.1
Day 167 10:06:06Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed12.9
Day 167 10:12:03Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed66.5
Day 167 10:12:03Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed25.1
Day 167 11:04:59Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11.9
Day 167 11:04:59Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11.9
Day 167 11:04:59Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed13.8
Day 167 11:04:59Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed18.5
Day 167 11:04:59Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed22.3
Day 167 11:04:59Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed24.2
Day 167 11:04:59Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed16.6
Day 167 11:04:59Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11.9
Day 167 LOSTestpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 167 LOSTestpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 167 LOSTestpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 168 8:50:41Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11
Day 168 8:50:41Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11
Day 168 8:50:41Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed10.1
Day 168 9:03:26Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed37.3
Day 168 9:49:13Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed36.4
Day 168 9:49:13Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed36.4
Day 168 9:49:13Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed35.5
Day 168 9:52:25Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed38.3
Day 168 9:56:09Testethylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed55.2
Day 168 10:42:48Testethanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27.9
Day 168 11:16:48Testethanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed32.6
Day 168 11:30:21Testethanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed50.5
Day 168 11:41:18Testethanecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed55.2
Day 173 10:37:43Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed61.8
Day 173 10:37:43Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed59
Day 173 10:41:34Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed51.4
Day 173 10:41:34Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 173 10:41:34Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 173 10:41:34Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 173 10:41:34Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 173 10:41:34Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 173 10:41:34Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 173 10:41:34Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed
Day 173 10:41:34Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed50.5
Day 173 11:08:12Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed59
Day 173 11:08:12Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed55.2
Day 173 11:08:12Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed47.7
Day 173 11:08:12Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed42
Day 173 11:08:12Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed36.4
Day 173 11:21:38Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11
Day 173 11:21:38Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed23.2
Day 173 11:21:38Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed35.5
Day 173 11:21:38Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed50.5
Day 173 11:21:38Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed54.3
Day 173 11:21:38Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed58
Day 173 11:21:38Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed56.1
Day 173 11:48:23Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed12.9
Day 173 11:48:23Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed12.9
Day 173 11:48:23Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed12.9
Day 173 11:48:23Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed12.9
Day 173 11:48:23Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed12.9
Day 173 12:00:14Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed28.9
Day 173 12:00:14Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27.9
Day 173 12:00:14Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27.9
Day 173 12:00:14Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27.9
Day 173 12:00:14Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed27
Day 173 12:11:46Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed39.2
Day 173 12:11:46Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed39.2
Day 173 12:11:46Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed39.2
Day 173 12:11:46Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed39.2
Day 173 12:11:46Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed38.3
Day 173 12:11:46Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed38.3
Day 173 12:11:46Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed38.3
Day 173 12:23:30Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed60.8
Day 173 12:23:30Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed60.8
Day 173 12:23:30Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed60.8
Day 173 12:23:30Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed60.8
Day 173 12:23:30Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed59.9
Day 173 12:23:30Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed60.8
Day 173 12:39:29Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed39.2
Day 173 12:39:29Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed39.2
Day 173 12:39:29Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed38.3
Day 173 12:39:29Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed38.3
Day 174 10:02:10Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed28.9
Day 174 10:33:23Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed20.4
Day 174 10:33:23Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed20.4
Day 174 10:45:25Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed20.4
Day 174 10:45:25Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed20.4
Day 174 10:45:25Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed20.4
Day 174 10:48:31Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed10.1
Day 174 10:48:31Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed10.1
Day 174 11:04:43Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed29.8
Day 174 11:04:43Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed29.8
Day 174 11:04:43Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed29.8
Day 174 11:13:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed58
Day 174 11:13:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed56.1
Day 174 11:13:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed56.1
Day 174 11:20:47Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed47.7
Day 174 11:20:47Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed47.7
Day 174 11:20:47Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed47.7
Day 174 11:20:47Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed46.7
Day 174 11:20:47Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed46.7
Day 174 11:20:47Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed46.7
Day 174 11:24:30Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed57.1
Day 174 11:24:30Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed53.3
Day 174 11:24:30Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed45.8
Day 174 11:24:30Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed34.5
Day 174 11:34:16Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed24.2
Day 174 11:34:16Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed23.2
Day 174 11:34:16Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed23.2
Day 174 11:34:16Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed23.2
Day 174 11:34:16Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed23.2
Day 174 11:38:05Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed12.9
Day 174 11:38:05Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed12.9
Day 174 11:38:05Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11.9
Day 174 11:38:05Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11.9
Day 174 11:46:06Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11
Day 174 11:46:06Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11
Day 174 11:46:06Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11
Day 174 11:46:06Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed11
Day 174 11:46:06Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed10.1
Day 174 11:46:06Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed10.1
Day 174 11:46:06Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed10.1
Day 174 11:50:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed35.5
Day 174 11:50:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed34.5
Day 174 11:50:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed34.5
Day 174 11:50:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed35.5
Day 174 11:50:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed35.5
Day 174 11:50:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed35.5
Day 174 11:50:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed35.5
Day 174 11:50:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed35.5
Day 174 11:50:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed34.5
Day 174 11:50:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed34.5
Day 174 11:50:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed34.5
Day 174 12:06:43Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed46.7
Day 174 12:11:20Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed56.1
Day 174 12:34:00Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed24.2
Day 174 12:34:00Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed24.2
Day 174 12:34:00Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed24.2
Day 174 12:36:12Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed13.8
Day 174 12:36:12Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed12.9
Day 174 12:36:12Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed12.9
Day 174 12:43:03Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed51.4
Day 174 12:43:03Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed51.4
Day 174 12:43:03Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed50.5
Day 174 12:46:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed32.6
Day 174 12:46:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed32.6
Day 174 12:46:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed32.6
Day 174 12:46:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed32.6
Day 174 12:46:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed31.7
Day 174 12:46:17Testpropylenecoflow jet21%101 kPaassumed31.7
How the table was read, and what was repaired

SPICE - jet flames

PSI-107_Experimental table_Spice.csv

469 rows in the file, 469 kept as records.

Assumed: Not listed in the PSI table. Taken as ISS cabin pressure, because the experiment ran inside the Microgravity Science Glovebox.

sha256 fb0d7e60cf5367afb429089e9901d27288f78038efd26c8de1db4fbe04117136 · fetched 2026-11-11

Repairs and warnings

  • Flow speed: 8 value(s) fall outside the expected range 0 to 200 cm/s (-0.28, -5.92). They are kept exactly as published, flagged, and left out of charts.
  • Day 45 17:27:48, Flow speed: the experimental table gives 17.59 cm/s; NASA's file PSI-107_Raw Data_SmokePointReview-0g-3.xlsx gives 17.587 cm/s (Smoke Point Datasheet (2)!AP10). The table's value is the one used.
  • Day 173 12:39:29, Flow speed: the experimental table gives 38.27 cm/s; NASA's file PSI-107_Raw Data_SmokePointReview-0g-3.xlsx gives 38.2718 cm/s (Smoke Point Datasheet (2)!AP30). The table's value is the one used.
  • Day 174 11:04:43, Flow speed: the experimental table gives 29.81 cm/s; NASA's file PSI-107_Raw Data_SmokePointReview-0g-3.xlsx gives 29.8098 cm/s (Smoke Point Datasheet (2)!AP44). The table's value is the one used.
  • Day 174 12:46:17, Flow speed: the experimental table gives 31.69 cm/s; NASA's file PSI-107_Raw Data_SmokePointReview-0g-3.xlsx gives 31.6902 cm/s (Smoke Point Datasheet (2)!AP54). The table's value is the one used.

NASA's description

Objectives

The objective of SPICE is to better understand the complex process of combustion by observing flames in a microgravity environment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and analogous ground experiments. Specific objectives were: (1) Identify the laminar smoke-point properties of non-buoyant jet diffusion flames under various co-flow conditions in microgravity. (2) Determine the effects of burner diameter and co-flow velocity on the luminous flame lengths and smoke points. (3) Quantify the sooting propensity of different fuels, such as ethylene, propane, and propylene mixtures. (4) Validate the correlation between luminous flame shape and residence time under microgravity conditions. (5) Investigate the impact of air and fuel flow rate variations on smoke point phenomena in space.

Approach

The experimental setup in the microgravity science glovebox consisted of an apparatus with a flow duct with integrated nozzles, cameras, and fuel delivery systems. Fuels tested included methane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and propylene mixtures. Each flame was ignited in a controlled co-flow air environment, with burner diameters of 0.41 mm, 0.76 mm, and 1.6 mm and co-flow velocities ranging from 5.4 cm/s to 65 cm/s. Fuel flow rates were adjusted to identify the smoke point, marked by the flame's transition to emitting soot. Data such as flame lengths were recorded using still and video cameras. Measurements included flame height, radiative heat losses, and co-flow air velocity distributions. In total 526 flames were studied.

Hypothesis

The research hypothesizes that by minimizing gravity-driven transport phenomena scientists can study the laminar smoke-point properties of non-buoyant jet diffusion flames. Flame properties are expected to differ significantly from those observed under normal gravity.

Research impacts and Earth benefits

(1) Will improve our understanding of soot formation mechanisms and help design safer spacecraft environments. (2) Will contribute to refining our computational models for predicting flame behaviors under non-buoyant conditions. (3) Will enhance our knowledge of soot generation (4) Could possibly provide insights to better fuel formulations and combustion processes.

Publications

9 listed in PSI, 7 with a DOI.

  1. Laminar Smoke Points in Coflow Measured Aboard the International Space StationDotson Keenan, Sunderland Peter, Yuan Zeng-Guang, Urban David
  2. Scaling of Gas-Jet Flame Lengths in Elevated GravitySunderland Peter B., Urban David L., Nayagam Vedha
  3. The Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG), a Resource for Gravity-Dependent Phenomena Research on the International Space Station (ISS)RA Spivey, LB Jeter, C Vonk
  4. The Microgravity Science Glovebox as a Platform for Exploration Research on the International Space StationSpivey Reggie, Luz Paul
  5. A Combined Experimental and Computational Study of Soot Formation in Normal and Microgravity ConditionsDobbins Richard R., Tinjero Jesse, Squeo Joseph, Zhao Xinyu, Hall Robert J., Colket Meredith B., Long Marshall B., Smooke Mitchell D.
  6. Shapes of nonbuoyant round hydrocarbon-fueled laminar-jet diffusion flames in still airAalburg C., Diez F.J., Faeth G.M., Sunderland P.B., Urban D.L., Yuan Z.-G.
Show the other 3
  1. Shapes of nonbuoyant round luminous hydrocarbon/air laminar jet diffusion flamesLIN K, FAETH G, SUNDERLAND P, URBAN D, YUAN Z
  2. Smoke Points of Microgravity and Normal Gravity Coflow DiffusionKT Dotson
  3. Laminar smoke points of coflowing flames in microgravityDotson K.T., Sunderland P.B., Yuan Z.-G., Urban D.L.

Hardware and raw data

6.9 GB of raw data on PSI: reports 3, raw data 172, presentations 5, reference data 1, science documents 1, engineering documents 4. FlameLens reads the experimental table, not the raw video or sensor files.

Linked investigations

On Earth

Cleaner combustion: Soot-formation data for cleaner fuels and combustion processes.

“Could possibly provide insights to better fuel formulations and combustion processes.”