The study "Estimation of Local Mass Burning Rates for Steady Laminar Boundary Layer Diffusion Flames" by Prof. Ajay V. Singh (IIT Kanpur) and Michael J. Gollner presents a major advance in fire science. The researchers establish a clear, quantifiable link between the non-dimensional temperature gradient at the fuel surface and the local mass-burning rate- a critical parameter for modeling flame spread and fire growth.

Through detailed numerical simulations and high-resolution experimental measurements on methanol, ethanol, and PMMA, the study confirms that this correlation remains valid across both free and forced convection environments. Their method predicts local and average burning rates within 10% accuracy, using only temperature profiles near the fuel surface.
Why it matters: This technique provides a precise, non-invasive way to estimate burning rates-streamlining material testing and enhancing fire safety engineering.

Prof. Ajay won the Distinguished Paper Award for the given paper from the Combustion Institute (the supreme and most respected scientific society in the field of combustion science). A distinguished paper selected for this honor exemplifies quality, achievement, and significance to advance the field of combustion science. Prof. Ajay is the only faculty member in India to receive a Distinguished Paper Award from the Combustion Institute.

He was also nominated for the Silver Combustion Medal from the Combustion Institute for the given paper. He is the only faculty member in India to be nominated for such an honor.