Guillermo Rein, Professor of fire science at Imperial College London, talking about "The science of fire", on the Engineering Stage, at New Scientist Live 2019
How does a fire start, spread or destroy? And what can we do about it? In the wake of the Notre Dame blaze and devasting wildfire season, Guillermo Rein discusses our ingrained fascination with flames. From keeping our ancient relatives warm whilst preparing their first cooked meals to the 19th century industrial revolution, our ability to start and manage fire has been crucial to human development. However, our history as fire masters originates not just from a sense of curiosity and opportunity but also concern, wariness and fear of its destructive nature. Today's fire engineers are heavily involved in the selection and design of much of what surrounds us, our habitats, furniture, electronics and modes of transport to name a few. And yet fire remains a hazard and threat to life, and there is still much to learn about how it ignites, how it spreads, how it produces smoke and how it can be suppressed. Guillermo is professor of fire science at Imperial College London. The purpose of his work is to reduce the worldwide burden of accidental fires and protect people, their property, and the environment. Together with his group, Hazelab, he studies how polymers and wood ignite so fire can be avoided, and how engineers can design better structures that resist fire. From today’s largest threats and into the future of fire engineering, he also looks to the past to reveal the role of fire in the Titanic’s rapid sinking and the true nature of the Great Fire of London. His research is centred on heat transfer, combustion and fire. The purpose of his work is to reduce the worldwide burden of accidental fires and protect people, their property, and the environment. His research portfolio is ample, but over the last 15 years he is best known in three areas: 1) how polymers and wood ignite so we can avoid fires from starting; 2) how engineers can design better structures that resist fire; and 3) how wildfires spread and how to fight them.
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Location: ExCel London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock,
Photo credit: © John Gaffen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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