Fire Chemistry
Brandkemi

VBRF30, 8.0 credits, G2 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2026/27
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED BI/RH
Date of Decision: 2026-04-09

General Information

Main field: Technology Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: First cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Mandatory for: BR2
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish

Aim

The purpose of the course is to give the student basic knowledge of combustion chemistry and explosions. The course also aims to increase the student’s ability to build and analyze chemical models.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to demonstrate basic understanding of chemical concepts and chemical reactions.
• Be able to demonstrate understanding of combustion in different fuels and ventilation conditions.
• Be able to demonstrate understanding in explosion processes and protection strategies.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to apply basic chemical concepts and chemical reactions in fire engineering contexts.
• Be able to calculate combustion enthalpy for different fuels and ventilation conditions.
• Be able to use, present and argue for choice of models and assumptions in combustion analysis both practically and theoretically.
• Be able to calculate explosion effects on structures and design pressure relief surfaces.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to apply the knowledge to generalize and reflect on the choice of different parameters and what these mean for selected models to be used in a correct and ethical way.

Contents

• Fire chemistry: Vapour pressure, enthalpy diagrams, standard enthalpy of formation, heat of combustion, combustion efficiency, adiabatic flame temperature, equivalence ratio, and chemical reactions during combustion.
• Ignition sequence: Semenov's theory of ignition, Frank-Kameneskii's theory of ignition, minimum energy of ignition, temperature of spontaneous ignition, flammability limits, explosion limits.
• Flamespread: Pre-Mixed flames, detonation, deflagration, diffusion flames, liquid fires, solid material fires, smouldering fires, gas explosions and dust explosions.
• Combustion gases: Soot concentration and visibility.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment:

The final grade is based on a written examination, home assignments (individual), and laboratory reports (work in group) as well as participation in obligatory seminars and laboratories.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0124. Name: Written Exam.
Credits: 4.0. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: The examination will take place individually. The course ends with a written exam. The module includes: The course part is based on lectures and written exercises.
Code: 0224. Name: Laboratory Work, Home Assignment and Seminars.
Credits: 4.0. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: Approved labs (physical and virtual labs included), completed homework assignments and active participation in mandatory seminars. The module includes: This part of the course is based on solution of mandatory homework assignments and participation in laboratory work which is reported in writing. Reporting of homework takes place at seminars which are also obligatory. Further information: In group work, active participation from all group members is assumed. Each group member must be able to report and answer for the content individually. If a member does not meet the others' requirements for active participation, or disregards his commitments, a decision by the examiner on reassignment to another group or a failing grade can be obtained.

Admission

Assumed prior knowledge: FAFA30 Physics: Electricity – Fluids, FMAA05 Calculus in One Variable or FMAB65 Calculus in One Variable B1 together with FMAB70 Calculus in One Variable B2, FMAB20 Linear Algebra and VBRF35 Fire physics.
The number of participants is limited to: No
Kursen överlappar följande kurser: VBRF20

Reading list

• Drysdale, Dougal: An Introduction to Fire Dynamics, 3rd Edition. John Wiley & Sons, 2011, ISBN: 9780470319031.
• Paper on autoignition.
• Harris: The Investigation and Control of Gas Explosions in Buildings and Heating Plant - Utdrag ur (Extract). E&FN Spon, 1983, ISBN: 978-0419132202.
• Ann-Ida Petterson, Patrick van Hees: Kurslitteratur - Brandkemi. Brandteknik och riskhantering, 2014.

Contact

Course coordinator: Margaret McNamee, margaret.mcnamee@brand.lth.se
Course administrator: Linnéa Ekman, linnea.ekman@ebd.lth.se

Further information

Some lectures may be given in English.

Generative AI may be used in a similar way as other tools used for gathering information. Using the resulting text, figure, code or similar created by a GAI tool is treated as deceptive and is treated as cheating. The use of GAI tools shall be stated in written material for examination. Recommendation on the use of GAI tools is presented on the course area on Canvas.