What characterizes premixed burning?

Premixed burning is characterized by the mixing of fuel and oxidizer before combustion occurs. In this process, both the combustible materials and the oxidizing agent, typically oxygen from the air, are combined in a specific ratio and then ignited. This leads to a flame where the combustion happens efficiently and uniformly, as the reactants are already well mixed at the time of ignition.

Understanding this concept is crucial for fire investigation, as different burning methodologies impact the behavior of the fire, the formation of combustion products, and the potential spread of flames. In comparison, any flame where the oxidizer is introduced after combustion would not fall under the category of premixed burning, nor would flames that occur purely in open air or those that can sustain themselves without an oxidizing agent. Therefore, the characterization of premixed burning is essential for differentiating between various combustion processes in fire dynamics.