PE Problem #15

A chemical processing plant has an explosive release in one of the mixing areas, causing a fireball that at 16 meters and a radial distance of 24 meters causes a radiant heat exposure of 6.2 (kW/sq.m.)^4/3-min. What is the expected burn effect for workers with exposed skin?
a. Minor irritation
b. 1st Degree burn / severe skin pain
c. 2nd Degree burn
​d. 3rd degree (full thickness) burn

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Solution | Posted 07/27/20

c. 2nd Degree burn, based on the exposed skin radiant heat exposure as listed in NCEES 10.3.3.2. The fireball diameter and distance are extra information in this problem.