Correlating aluminum burning times

Characteristics of aluminum combustion are summarized in an overview of the subject, focusing on the burning time of individual particles. Combustion data from over ten different sources with almost $400$ datum points have been cataloged and correlated. Available models have also been used to evaluate combustion trends with key environmental parameters. The fundamental concepts that control aluminum combustion are discussed, starting from a discussion of the $D^n$ law. The exponent in the $D^n$ law is shown to be lower than two, with nominal values of $\approx1.5$ to $1.8$ being typical. The effect of the ambient medium on the burning time is considered, oxygen as an oxidizer being twice as effective as water and about five times more effective than carbon dioxide. The effect of pressure and initial temperature is minor.