The visible shape and size of a turbulent hydrocarbon jet diffusion flame in a cross-wind

The results of an extensive wind-tunnel study into the shapes and sizes of hydrocarbon jet diffusion flames in a horizontal cross-wind are presented. The shape of a turbulent diffusion flame in a cross-wind can be described by the frustum of a cone, which, in turn, can be defined by five different parameters of shape. When the burner axis is normal to the wind, each shape parameter can be related to the burner diameter, the burner exit velocity, the cross-wind speed, and the density of the burner gas by one equation. When the burner axis is not normal to the wind, the experimental results still follow an identifiable pattern and can be used to estimate flame shapes and sizes.