39S Be 1977

VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
BELGAUM – 590010
PROJECT REPORT ON
(10ME 85L)
“DEVELOPMENT OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER USING ACOUSTIC

WAVES”
(Sponsored by KSCST, 39S_BE_1977)
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
IN
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
PROJECT ASSOCIATES
Name University Seat No.
1. AKANKSH SARJI 4BD12ME005
2. MOHAN RAM R K 4BD12ME059
3. UTTUNGA H R 4BD10ME110
UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

Dr. SHARAN A S M.TECH, Ph.D
Assistant Professor
2015 – 16
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

BAPUJI INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
SHAMANUR ROAD, DAVANGERE – 577004, KARNATAKA
(Affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University)
I
BAPUJI INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

DAVANGERE-577004, KARNATAKA, INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

PROJECT WORK
(10ME 85L)
CERTIFICATE
Certified that the project work entitled “Development Of Portable Fire Extinguisher Using
Acoustic Waves” is a bonafide work carried out by Akanksh Sarji , Mohan Ram R K ,
Uttunga H R in partial fulfillment for the award of Bachelor of Engineering in the
Mechanical Engineering of Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum, during the
academic year 2015-2016. It is certified that corrections / suggestions indicated for internal
assessment have been incorporated in the report deposited in the departmental library. The
project report has been approved as it satisfies the academic requirements in respect of project
work prescribed for the said Degree.
Guide
Dr. SHARAN A S M.Tech, Ph.D

Assistant Professor
Dr. S. KUMARAPPAME, Ph.D Dr. SUBRAHMANYA SWAMYME,Ph.D,F.I.E,M.I.S.T.E

Professor & HOD Principal
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
Name of the Examiners Signature with Date
1.
2.
II
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The sense of contentment and elation that accompanies the successful completion of
our task would be incomplete without mentioning the names of people who helped in
accomplishment of this project work, whose constant guidance, support and encouragement
resulted in its realization.
We would like to express our gratitude to our guide Dr. SHARAN A S, Assistant
Professor for guiding us in completing the project work and for the continuous
encouragement throughout the preparation.
We thankfully acknowledge the help we received from project Coordinator

Sri.UMESH D.E Asst. professor or guiding us in completing the Project work in accordance
with the university requirements.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to Dr. KUMARAPPA, professor and
Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering for providing all the necessary support.
We would like to thank our beloved principal Dr. S. SUBRAHMANYA SWAMY

for his encouragement, support and suggestion.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to all the Teaching and Non-Teaching
staff of Dept. of Mechanical Engineeringfor providing all the necessary support.
Finally, we would like to thank all our Friends, Classmates who have extended their
co-operation directly or indirectly.
Project Associates
III
Table of contents Page

No
Certificate I
Acknowledgement II
Table of Contents III
List of Figures V
Synopsis VII
Sl No. Particulars
Chapter 1 Introduction 1
1.1 Introduction to Fire 1
1.2 Sound Waves 2
1.2.1 Frequency/ Pitch of the Sound Waves 5
1.3 Back ground of the study 6
1.4 Conventional fire extinguishing techniques 7
1.5 Sound-Flame interactions & using sound wave as flame 8

extinguisher
Chapter 2 Literature Survey 11
2.1 Introduction 11
2.2 Hypothesis of sound as fire extinguishers 12
2.3 Problem Statement 12
2.4 Objectives 13
IV
Sl No. Particulars Page

No.
Chapter 3 Methodology and Experimentation 14
3.1 Introduction 14
3.1.1 Signal generator 15
3.1.2 Generating sine wave sound with Android 17
3.1.3 Android Implementation 17
3.2 Mobile as a computing Tool 17
3.2.1 Mobile Hardware 17
3.2.2 Mobile Software 18
3.2.3 Smartphones 19
3.3 Subwoofer 20
3.4 Vortex cannon 20
Chapter 4 Results and Discussion 23
4.1 The effect of frequency on Pressure and sound 23
4.2 Optimization of vortex cannon 25
4.3 Mechanism of fire extinguishers 28
4.4 Characteristics of Portable Fire Extinguisher 28
4.5 Applications 29
Chapter 5 Conclusions 30
References 31
V
List of Figures
Figure Title Page No.
1.1 A flame tetrahedron. 1
1.2 Frequency range of sound wave. 3
1.3 Sound Waves in Waveform Amplitude. 4
Shows the different between sound waves with high and 5

1.4
lowamplitude wavelength.
1.5 Shows the difference between sound waves with high and low 6
frequencies and their corresponding pitches.
9
1.6 The physiology of sound
2.1A Photographic view of residue released during use chemical foam 12

for fire extinguisher.
Photographic view of residue released during use chemical foam 13
2.1B
for fire extinguisher.
3.1 Design of portable fire extinguisher. 14
3.2 Methodology. 15
3.3 Tone Generator. 16
3.4 Mobile hardware. 18
3.5 Mobile software. 18
3.6 Smart phones. 19
3.7 Subwoofer. 20
3.8 Air vortex. 21

VI
3.9 Photographic view of Potable fire extinguisher. 22
4.1 Variation of Pressure with Frequency. 23
4.2 Variation of Sound with Frequency. 24
4.3 Variation of Acoustic velocity with Frequency. 24
4.4 Effect of vortex geometry on pressure. 25
4.5 Effect of vortex geometry on acoustic velocity. 26
4.6 Effect of vortex geometry on sound. 26
4.7 Testing images of fire extinguisher. 27

VII
SYNOPSIS
The need of fire extinguishing techniques is vital as fire accidents are catastrophic in
nature, leads to unrecoverable loss. The current fire extinguishing comes with various
drawbacks. The present existing techniques are not eco-friendly. The need for new fire
extinguishing techniques is vital as fire accidents cause deaths and injuries. Sound wave could be
one of the potential alternatives as fire extinguishers. The low frequency acoustic waves spilled
from a speaker tend to extinguish the flames.
The present research aims to develop the potable fire extinguisher study and analyzes
the effect of different frequency of sound wave on flames. Experiments are conducted to study
suitable sound wave frequency range to extinguish flame and to analyze the acoustic-flame
interaction through observations using portable and innovative approach to reduce the overall
cost. Further the research is carried out to study the critical parameter such the length to diameter
ratio of the vortex tube on velocity, Pressure of waves are discussed. Mobile sensors are used to
record the data.
The combination of varying high and low pressure and coupled with high flow air
velocity, which in then causes disturbances in air-fuel ratio at the flame boundary (leading to
thinning of flame boundary), is one of the possible explanation leading to flame extinction.
DEVELOPMENT OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER USING ACOUSTIC WAVES
Chapter-1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction to Fire
Fire is a self-sustaining, chemical chain reaction with varying degrees of light and heat.
Flame is the observable portion of the fire. Fires start when a flammable and/or a combustible
material, in combination with an adequate quantity of an oxidizer for instance, oxygen gas is
exposed to a source of heat or ambient temperature above the flash stage for the fuel/oxidizer
mix, and is able to withstand a rate of rapid oxidation that produces a chain reaction. Fire is made
up of four components •Fuel, Oxygen Heat and Chemical Chain Reaction. This is normally
called the fire tetrahedron (Figure 1.1). Fire cannot exist if deprived of all of these elements in
place and in the right proportions.
Figure 1.1: A flame tetrahedron
Fire extinguishers are divided into four categories, based on different types of fires. Each
fire extinguisher also has a numerical rating that serves as a guide for the amount of fire the
extinguisher can handle. The higher the number, the more fire-fighting power. The following is a
Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIET. Page 1

quick guide to help choose the right type of extinguisher. Also see how to buy a fire
extinguisher.
Class A fires are fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, trash, and plastics.
Class B fires are fires in flammable liquids such as gasoline, petroleum oil, and paint. Also
included are flammable gases such as propane and butane. Class B fires do not include fires
involving cooking oils and grease.
Class C fires are fires involving energized electrical equipment such as motors, transformers, and
appliances. Remove the power and the Class C fire becomes one of the other classes of fire.
Class D fires are fires in combustible metals such as potassium, sodium, aluminum and
magnesium.
1.2 Sound Waves
Sound is a form of energy, just like electricity, heat or light. When you strike a bell, it
makes a loud ringing noise. Now instead of just listening to the bell, put your finger on the bell
after you have struck it. Can you feel it shaking? This movement or shaking, i.e. the to and fro
motion of the body is termed as Vibration. The sound moves through a medium by alternately
contracting and expanding parts of the medium it is travelling through. This compression and
expansion creates a minute pressure difference that we perceive as sound.
Sound is a vibration that propagates as a perceptible mechanical wave of pressure and
displacement, through a medium such as air or water. Sound propagates through compressible

media such as air, water and solids as longitudinal waves and also as a transverse waves (in
solids). The sound waves are generated by a sound source, such as the vibrating diaphragm of a
speaker. The sound source creates vibrations i n the surrounding medium. As the source
continues to vibrate the medium, the vibrations propagate away from the source at the speed of
sound, thus forming the sound wave. At a fixed distance from the source, the pressure, velocity,
and displacement of the medium vary in time. At an instant in time, the pressure, velocity, and
displacement vary in space.
Fig. 1.2 Frequency range of sound wave
The particles of the medium do not travel with the sound wave; the vibrations of particles
in the liquid or gas transfer the vibrations, while the mean location of the particles over time does
not change. During propagation, waves can be reflected, refracted, or decreased by the medium.
The matter that carries the sound is called the medium and sound cannot travel through a
vacuum. Sound is transmitted through gases, plasma, and liquids as longitudinal waves.
Longitudinal sound waves are waves of alternating pressure deviations from the equilibrium
pressure, causing local regions of compression and rarefaction, while transverse waves (in solids)
are waves of alternating shear stress at right angle to the direction of propagation. Additionally,
sound waves may be viewed simply by parabolic mirrors and objects that produce sound. Sound
waves are regularly streamlined to a description in terms of sinusoidal plane waves, which are

characterized by these common properties: frequency, wavelength, wave number, amplitude,
sound pressure, sound intensity, speed of sound, and direction. Sound that is perceptible by
humans has frequencies from about 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. In air at standard temperature and
pressure, the corresponding wavelengths of sound waves range from 17 m to 17 mm.
In real life, we hear all sorts of noises, screaming, shouting, laughing and this is not just
restricted to humans. Animals also make noises and these are distinctly different from the human
voice. To understand this, we will explore some of the basic properties of the sound waves.
When sound waves are represented in a wave form, we instantly notice some basic
characteristics. The waveform is a pictorial representation of the pressure variation in the air
which travels as sound. These waves are alternately regions of high pressure and low pressure.
Thanks to the waveform, sound waves now seem very similar to light and other electromagnetic
radiation.
Fig.1.3 Sound Waves in Waveform Amplitude
This in light refers to the amount of energy in an electromagnetic wave and its meaning is
the same here. Amplitude refers to the distance of the maximum vertical displacement of the

wave from its mean position. Larger the amplitude, higher the energy. In sound, amplitude refers
to the magnitude of compression and expansion experienced by the medium the sound wave is
travelling through. This amplitude is perceived by our ears as loudness. High amplitude is
equivalent to loud sounds.
Fig. 1.4Showsthe different between sound waves with high and low amplitude wavelength
The waveform representation converts the pressure variations of sound waves into a
pictorial graph which is easier to understand. A sound wave is made of areas of high pressure
alternated by an area of low pressure. The high pressure areas are represented as the peaks of the
graph. The low pressure areas are depicted in the Valleys. The physical distance between two
consecutive peaks or valleys in a sound wave is referred to as the Wavelength of the sound wave.
It is labeled in the image above.
1.2.1 Frequency/ Pitch of the Sound Waves
Frequency in a sound wave refers to the rate of the vibration of the sound travelling
through the air. This parameter decides whether a sound is perceived as high pitched or low
pitched. In sound, frequency is also known as Pitch. The frequency of the vibrating source of
sound is calculated in cycles per second. The SI Unit for Frequency being hertz and its definition
being ‘1/T’ where T refers to the time period of the wave. Time period is the time required for

the wave to complete one cycle. Wavelength and frequency of a sound wave are related
mathematically as:
Velocity of Sound = Frequency * Wavelength
The below graphs can be used for understanding more about sound. The first graph represents a
sound wave from a drum while the second graph represents the sound wave from a whistle. You
probably already know the difference in the sounds but have a look at the difference in their
frequencies.
Fig. 1.5Shows the difference between sound waves with high and low frequencies and their
corresponding pitches.
1.3 Back ground of the study
Fire extinguishers are trying to eradicate one of the elements in the pyramid (a flame
tetrahedron) in order to eliminate the flame. Firefighting in an enclosed space has always been a
problem, other than the accessibility for the fire fighter to access the place, accessing the water,
carbon dioxide (CO2) or other fire extinguisher technology to the closed space is a major
challenge. A compact, independent and reliable fire extinguisher is required in order to overcome
this problem. Space station and submarine are the main examples of the application that highly
required new fire extinguisher technology that will be able to be used in a confined and very
limited space.

Fire manipulation using sound was not a new technique. The interactions between sound
and flames were first reported by John Leconte in 1858, who noted flames within an orchestral
respond to beats within music. A German physicist, Heinrich Rubens in the 1900s, showed the
technique using a section of pipe with holes perforated along the top. One end was sealed off
with a sound speaker connected; the other sealed off and attached with a gas supply.
Subsequently, igniting the gas leaking from one of the openings and varying the sound frequency
being emitted, the height of the flames could be manipulated, this effect is called Rubens tube.
1.4 Conventional fire extinguishing techniques
There are four common techniques used in extinguishing fires. Cooling down the burning
material is the most common practice used to extinguish fire. Water is usually available and the
best cooling agent to use particularly in fires involving solid materials. By vaporizing in contact
with fire, water also mantles the fire, cutting off the oxygen supply. However, water should
never be applied to fires involving hot cooking oil or fat because it can cause the fire to spread.
Secondly, is thru excluding oxygen from the fire. Asphyxiating agents are substances used to
extinguish a fire by cutting off the oxygen supply. Foam, which is the content of some fire
extinguishers, can help to cool down and isolate the fuel surface from the air, reducing
combustion and being able to resist wind and draught disruption. Nevertheless, foam should
never be used on energized electrical equipment, because it is an electrical conductor. Other
smothering agents include carbon dioxide, which is found in some fire extinguishers and is
ideally used in electric equipment and sand, which is effective only on small burning areas.
Another method of extinguishing a fire is to remove the fuel supply by switching off the
electrical power, isolating the flow of flammable liquids or removing the solid fuel, such as

wood or textiles. In woodland fires, a firebreak cut around the fire helps to isolated further fuel.
In the case of gas fire, closing the main valve and cutting off the gas supply is the best way of
extinguishing the fire. Flame inhibitors are substances that chemically react with the burning
material, thus extinguishing the flames. Dry-chemical fire extinguishers work in this way, and
can contain mono ammonium phosphate, sodium and potassium bicarbonate and potassium
chloride. Vaporizing liquids also have a flame inhibiting action. Conversely, most of these
substances have been phased out due to high levels of toxicity.
1.5 Sound-Flame interactions & using sound wave as flame extinguisher
Sound wave was found to be one of the alternatives in creating new method in flame
extinguishing technology. There are some aspects of the combustion that can be affected by
sound wave. The flame Air-Fuel Ratio at the boundaries which is at the lowest lean limit of the
combustion of fuels can be affected by sound wave by changing the velocity of its medium (air).
Furthermore, the changes in air velocity changes will also be able to affect the flow rate of the
fuel around the heat source as well as increasing the convective heat transfer of the heat source
and reducing the average temperature of the flame. These effects are similar to flame blow-off
characteristics.

Figure 1.6: The physiology of sound
The main stream analysis for the sound wave effect on the flame is depicted in Figure
1.6. The pressure fluctuations due to the sound wave propagation will cause a significant change
in temperature profile near the flame. High pressure to low pressure and vice versa will cause
immediate change on the temperature according to the first law of thermodynamic. The
combination actions of fluctuating temperature, pressure and air-fuel ratio to the flame will affect
the flame behavior under the regulated sound wave environment. A pressure perturbation is
known to have influence on the burning rate of a material and cause combustion instabilities,
which could eventually lead to flame extinction (Hood and Frendi) [11].
Contrariwise, ultrasonic frequency proven to have an effect in chemical kinetics of a
reactions (Ultrasound in Organic Chemistry). High frequency excitation on a reaction will be

able to enhance the combustion as well as delaying and perturbing the chemical reaction which
depends on the affected bonding for every specific chemical compound on certain frequencies.
However, ultrasonic application for flame suppressor has not been investigated due to the results
of previous experiment that shows the optimum frequency was at 60 Hz [1].

Chapter-2
LITERATURE SURVEY
2.1 Introduction
The maximum reduction of losses arising from conducting firefighting operations, both at
the rot emergency level, and at the level of permanent fire-fighting equipment also requires The
use of modern and "clean" technologies [13-18]for the return of the plant and the
environment[19] after a failure to fully functioning at maximum short time. Therefore, special
attention was paid to technologies such as efficient use mist [18] Wetting agents [16] [17]or
acoustic waves [20-25] that are the subject of a publication.
Law and Axelbaum [26] verified experiments theoretical assumptions that stretch flame
property resulting mainly from the operation of vortices turbo significantly affect its
aerodynamic distortion, leading to its extinction.
Studies on the combustion processes show that in some circumstances it may be smooth
non-continuously. Unstable burning were observed in age devices such as industrial burners, any
smokers jet engines, jet engines in and missiles, with significant oscillating flow parameters [26-
28].

2.2 Hypothesis of sound as fire extinguishers
Sound waves are produced by variation in the pressure of a medium The energy from the
vibration producer moves to air particles in a pattern of high and low pressure zones .Acoustics
increases the air velocity fire is thinned and higher fuel vaporization widens the flame .Flames
are extinguished because the sound waves change the air pressure A decrease in pressure can
lead to a decrease in temperature If the maximum and minimum pressures caused by a sound
wave are different enough, the flame will go out .
2.3 Problem Statement
Current method of firefighting using has significant drawbacks such as toxic to humans
and leaves residue (for dry chemical base fire extinguisher) while water base fire extinguishing
techniques freezes in cold climates and conduct electricity. Using sound wave with certain
frequency as a fire extinguisher will have significant advantages such as leaving no residues and
non-toxic.
Fig.2.1.A. Photographic view of residue released during use chemical foam for fire
extinguisher

Fig.2.1.B.Photographic view of residue released during use chemical foam for fire
extinguisher
2.4 Objectives
Our objective is to develop an environmentally friendly and safe method to extinguish fire
using acoustics set up.
1. To identify the frequency range that will be able to suppress an open flame.
2. To identify an optimal range of frequencies in which to achieve the minimum sound energy
when extinguishing fire.
3. To identify the frequency range that will be able to suppress an open flame.
4. To analyze the physics of sound-flame interactions

Chapter -3
METHODOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTATION
3.1 Introduction
Sound is mechanical wave. The development of a portable fire extinguisher is initiated
with the basic design approach shown in fig. The key components includes a tone generator,
generates the audio signal. The tone generator is interfaced with the subwoofer, which converts
the low frequency waves into sound waves these waves are amplified using amplifier. The
generated sound waves are made to travel to the vortex tube. Subwoofer along with the vortex
cannon is designed to produce extremely low frequencies is used to manipulate the sound waves.
The waves are further tuned in a frequency generator until they extinguish the fire.
Fig.3.1. Design of portable fire extinguisher

Fig3.2 .Methodology
The methodology of developing a portable fire extinguishers system is shown in fig. The
critical equipment essential for the development of the potable fire extinguisher is identified and
purchased. . The experimental setup is developed for investigate the optimum critical frequency
followed with data analysis and report documentation.
3.1.1 Signal generator

A tone generator, also known as a signal generator, described as electronic audio
acoustics and equipment testing and setup, or informational signals, commonly associated with a
telephone system. In each case, electrically generated audio pulses are sent to specific

components. In the case of audio equipment testing, frequency response and sound evaluation
are noted, and the acoustic properties of a studio or hall may be determined. With a telephone
system, the dial tone, busy signal, and ring tone are the result of this pulsed tone generation.
These devices will not only generate a tone, but may also be used to replicate certain
electronically produced or recorded audio signals. The results of the signals are described
variously as white noise or pink noise, depending on the energy level of the sound pulse.
The sound pulses may be seen on an oscilloscope as sine waves, a sound-wave pattern
generated at 20 hertz (Hz) to 20 kilohertz (kHz), and the basic range of audio frequency. The
variations in the highs and lows of the sine wave, as well as the distance between them,
determine the effectiveness of audio equipment, both in receiving and producing certain sounds
along predetermined points within the audio frequency range.
Other representations of tone pulsations and frequency generation include a saw tooth
wave, a triangle wave, a square wave, and various others. These particular representations
indicate loudness, harmonics, and/or decreasing or increasing energy levels of the audio
impulses. These impulses, of a specific tonal quality and energy, may be visually interpreted on
the oscilloscope through the depiction of a particular pattern. One pattern that combines
harmonics and pulse energy will resemble a series of triangles, another will give a saw tooth
pattern, another squares, and so on.
Fig.3.3 Tone Generator

3.1.2 Generating sine wave sound with Android

In the following post I will show and explain how to create a sine wave sound in
Android. The sine wave is a mathematical curve that describes a smooth repetitive oscillation.
Sine wave sounds can be used in many fields, one of them being robotics.
Sine wave formula
The sine wave formula is:

Y (t) = A sin (2πft + ρ) = A sin (ωt + ρ)
The above formula can be explained in sound terms as follows:
y = amplitude X sin (2π(velocity of rotation in cycles per second))
Increasing the amplitude of the sine wave, how high the tops and bottoms of the wave go,
increases the volume. Increasing or decreasing the cycle rate, how many cycles over
distance/time, increases and decreases the pitch of the sound – how high or low the tone sounds.
3.1.3 Android Implementation

To create a sine wave sound in Android we will use Audio Track class. Using the
Android Math. Sin() function we can generate a pure sine wave in a memory buffer, then use the
Audio Track class to play the sine wave.
3.2 Mobile as a computing Tool

Mobile Computing is a technology that allows transmission of data, voice and video via a
computer or any other wireless enabled device without having to be connected to a fixed
physical link. The main concept involves:
1. Mobile hardware
2. Mobile software
3.2.1 Mobile Hardware

Mobile hardware includes mobile devices or device components that receive or access the
Service of mobility. They would range from portable laptops, smartphones; tablet PCs, Personal
Digital Assistants.

Fig. 3.4 Mobile hardware
These devices will have a receptor medium that is capable of sensing and receiving
signals. These devices are configured to operate in full-duplex, whereby they are capable of
sending and receiving signals at the same time. They don't have to wait until one device has
finished communicating for the other device to initiate communications
3.2.2 Mobile Software

Mobile software is the actual program that runs on the mobile hardware (Fig. 3.5). It
deals with the characteristics and requirements of mobile applications. This is the engine of the
mobile device. In other terms, it is the operating system of the appliance. It is the essential
component that operates the mobile device.
Fig. 3.5 Mobile software

Since portability is the main factor, this type of computing ensures that users are not tied
or pinned to a single physical location, but are able to operate from anywhere. It incorporates all
aspects of wireless communications.
3.2.3 Smartphones
Smartphones have the capability to run multiple programs concurrently (Fig3.6). These
phones include high-resolution touch screens, web browsers that can access and properly display
standard web pages rather than just mobile-optimized sites, and high-speed data access via Wi-Fi
and high speed cellular broadband.
The most common mobile Operating Systems (OS) used by modern smartphones include
Google's Android, Apple's iOS, Nokia's Symbian, RIM's BlackBerry OS, Samsung's Bada,
Microsoft's Windows Phone, and embedded Linux distributions such as Maemo and MeeGo.
Such operating systems can be installed on different phone models, and typically each device can
receive multiple OS software updates over its lifetime
Fig. 3.6 Smart phones

3.3 Subwoofer
A subwoofer (or sub) is a woofer, or a complete loudspeaker, which is dedicated to the
reproduction of pitched audio frequencies known as bass. The typical frequency range for a
subwoofer is about 20–60 Hz for consumer products below 100 Hz for professional live
sound, and below 80 Hz in THX-approved systems. Subwoofers are intended to augment the low
frequency range of loudspeakers covering higher frequency bands.( Fig3.7)
Subwoofers are made up of one or more woofers mounted in a loudspeaker enclosure—

often made of wood—capable of withstanding air pressure while resisting deformation.
Subwoofer enclosures come in a variety of designs, including bass reflex (with a port or passive
radiator in the enclosure), infinite baffle, horn-loaded, and band pass designs, representing
unique tradeoffs with respect to efficiency, bandwidth, size and cost. Passive subwoofers have a
subwoofer driver and enclosure and they are powered by an external amplifier. Active
subwoofers include a built-in amplifier.
Fig. 3.7 Subwoofer
3.4 Vortex cannon
An air vortex cannon works primarily by applying force quickly and efficiently to air
molecules contained in a semi-enclosed space. When the stretchy balloon surface at the back of
the cannon snaps forward, it collides directly with air molecules, accelerating them towards the

opening of the cannon and setting off a chain reaction of high-speed collisions with other air
molecules and the sides of the cannon’s barrel. The only way for all of these colliding high-speed
air molecules to escape is out through the opening at the end of the barrel. The rapid escape of
the air molecules forms a stream, or jet, of air that flows straight out of the cannon.
When a jet of air escapes the opening of air vortex cannon into the still air outside, it
forms a stable donut-shaped gaseous projectile. This flying gas donut is called a toroidal
vortex or vortex ring, hence the name air vortex cannon. A toroidal vortex is caused by the
friction of the jet of air with the edges of the cannon’s opening and the slow moving air outside
the air cannon Fig. 3.8. As the speedy jet of air brushes against the hard circular opening of the
cannon and the slow-moving air outside, its edges slow down and curl back away from the center
of the jet, forming a donut shape, also called a torus.
Fig. 3.8 Air vortex
The still air around the vortex has a relatively high pressure that stabilizes the ring as it
travels forward, helping it to keep its shape. To see the toroidal vortex generated by your cannon,
have an adult fill the barrel with a little fog from a fog machine or with the CO2 gas collected
from dry ice sitting in room-temperature water.

Vortex rings can occur just about any time a jet of a fluid is shot into a mass of still fluid,
regardless of whether those fluids are gases or liquids. Vortices like the ones generated with your
air cannon are created by a number of things, such as helicopter blades or mosses that disperse
their spores by shooting them outward. You can observe vortex rings in a liquid by dropping
food dye straight down into a glass of cold water. Whales and dolphins even blow vortices with
bubbles underwater!
Fig. 3.9 Photographic view of Potable fire extinguisher
Portable fire extinguisher is shown in the figure 3.9. Is consists of mobile phone. The
function of the mobile is to generate the sine signal. These generated sine signals are given to the
subwoofer. The subwoofer is interfaced with the amplifier. The output from the subwoofer is
made to flow through the optimized vortex cannon.

Chapter-4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
"I throw more power into my voice, and now the flame is extinguished,"
Irish scientist John Tyndall
4.1 The effect of frequency on Pressure and sound
Sound wave significantly effects on the fire extinguishers process. To evaluate the impact of
sound waves on the fire, the fire was exposed varied frequency of sound waves from 0 Hz, 10
Hz, 30 Hz, 35 Hz, and 40Hz. Figure 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 shows variation of pressure sound and
acoustic velocity for varied frequency.
Fig. 4.1 Variation of Pressure with Frequency

Fig. 4.2 Variation of Sound with Frequency
Fig. 4.3 Variation of Acoustic velocity with Frequency

The Sound travels in waves, which are simply variations of pressure in a medium. The energy
from vibrating objects, such as speaker membranes, moves from particle to particle in the air in a
repeating pattern of high- and low-pressure zones that is perceived as sound. It is found that the
effective range was between 30 and 40 hertz, within the range of human hearing.
4.2 Optimization of vortex cannon
In the present research an attempt has been made to investigate the effect of the geometry of the
vortex to optimize the critical parameter such as pressure, sound and the acoustic velocity. Fig
shows the variation of pressure, velocity and sound for varied length from 100 to 400 mm and
varied diameter of 50 and 100mm.
Fig. 4.4Effect of Vortex geometry on Pressure

Fig. 4.5 Effect of Vortex geometry on Acoustic velocity
Fig. 4.6 Effect of Vortex geometry on Sound

From the result it is found the length of 300 mm and diameter of 100 shows the optimum
pressure, velocity and sound for fire extinguisher.
Fig. 4.7 Testing images of fire extinguisher

4.3 Mechanism of fire extinguishers
We believe that the primary acoustic mechanism of suppression of gaseous fuels is, in part, a
blow-off mechanism; where the acoustic wave imparts kinetic energy to the reactants of the
flame causing the net velocity of reactants to be greater than the flame propagation velocity.In
Figure flame oscillates about the fuel under acoustic excitation. The flame detaches from the
bowl fire prior to extinction after approximately 1.7s.Initially, the total flame underwent
oscillations about the source. Shortly after acoustic excitation, the flame lifted off of the burner
but did not extinguish. The flame appeared to undergo chaotic mixing in the lifted state as it
oscillated within the acoustic field; this mixed state represented induced changes in the gradient
between fuel and oxidizer. Eventually, the acoustic perturbation extinguished the flame in its
lifted state. Since the flame existed in the lifted state, we can conclude that the present
mechanism works efficiently to extinguish the flame.
4.4 Characteristics of Portable Fire Extinguisher
 No residue compared to chemical fire Extinguisher.
 Lighter material weight
 Less damage to surroundings
 Nontoxic
 No expiration date
 No refilling date

4.5 Applications
The Instant Fire Suppression device specifically uses new ways of tackling fires in enclosed
spaces, such as Aircraft cockpits and ship holds, Kitchen, hospitals and shopping malls, Industry,
and railways where fires are obviously devastating and incredibly difficult to control.
It is used in small fires and can be used in home caused fires.
Generally when fire is caused in an electrical panel circuit, using water is not possible as water
conducts electricity, thus using sound waves to extinguish fire is one of its main application.
It can be used in place of chemical fire extinguishers and water as sound wave fire extinguisher
leaves no residue and it is nontoxic to the person and the environment.

Chapter -5
CONCLUSIONS
The idea of extinguishing fire with sound is a novel one, and has many possible applications in
today’s world.
With knowledge of the resonant behavior of a room or enclosure, the present research aids in
incorporating a single (or multiple) speaker within it to achieve acoustic velocities in specific
areas of interest. One can generate a specific air velocity using various combinations of pressure
and frequency. This technique of suppression would require knowledge of the geometry of the
acoustic cavity, so that the optimum placement of the speaker(s) can be achieved, as well as
excitation with optimal the resonant frequencies for the room.
The present research addresses the fire in a room by localized mobilization of instruments. This
is done effectively by coupling the mobile to the resonant modes of an acoustic cavity, to
extinguish flames at-a-distance or at specified locations such as anti-nodes within a room.
In order to extinguish large area flames acoustically using the current setup, either a larger or
more powerful (higher SPL output) speaker would need to be used. Directly increasing the
output power of a speaker, will cause signal clipping; a distortion of the output signal. One can
multiplex speakers to achieve extinction of larger flames, however the practically of such a
system comes into question. Hence there is need of further research investigation to attempt for
large fire extinguishers.

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VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

“DEVELOPMENT OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER USING ACOUSTIC

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

BAPUJI INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Dr. SHARAN A S M.Tech, Ph.D

Dr. S. KUMARAPPAME, Ph.D Dr. SUBRAHMANYA SWAMYME,Ph.D,F.I.E,M.I.S.T.E

Name of the Examiners Signature with Date

We thankfully acknowledge the help we received from project Coordinator

We would like to thank our beloved principal Dr. S. SUBRAHMANYA SWAMY

Table of contents Page

Table of Contents III

1.1 Introduction to Fire 1

1.2 Sound Waves 2

1.2.1 Frequency/ Pitch of the Sound Waves 5

1.3 Back ground of the study 6

1.4 Conventional fire extinguishing techniques 7

1.5 Sound-Flame interactions & using sound wave as flame 8

2.2 Hypothesis of sound as fire extinguishers 12

2.3 Problem Statement 12

Sl No. Particulars Page

Chapter 3 Methodology and Experimentation 14

3.1.1 Signal generator 15

3.1.2 Generating sine wave sound with Android 17

3.1.3 Android Implementation 17

3.2 Mobile as a computing Tool 17

3.2.1 Mobile Hardware 17

3.2.2 Mobile Software 18

3.4 Vortex cannon 20

Chapter 4 Results and Discussion 23

4.1 The effect of frequency on Pressure and sound 23

4.2 Optimization of vortex cannon 25

4.3 Mechanism of fire extinguishers 28

4.4 Characteristics of Portable Fire Extinguisher 28

1.1 A flame tetrahedron. 1

1.2 Frequency range of sound wave. 3

1.3 Sound Waves in Waveform Amplitude. 4

Shows the different between sound waves with high and 5

2.1A Photographic view of residue released during use chemical foam 12

3.1 Design of portable fire extinguisher. 14

3.3 Tone Generator. 16

3.4 Mobile hardware. 18

3.5 Mobile software. 18

3.6 Smart phones. 19

3.8 Air vortex. 21

3.9 Photographic view of Potable fire extinguisher. 22

4.1 Variation of Pressure with Frequency. 23

4.2 Variation of Sound with Frequency. 24

4.3 Variation of Acoustic velocity with Frequency. 24

4.4 Effect of vortex geometry on pressure. 25

4.5 Effect of vortex geometry on acoustic velocity. 26

4.6 Effect of vortex geometry on sound. 26

4.7 Testing images of fire extinguisher. 27

from a speaker tend to extinguish the flames.

record the data.

place and in the right proportions.

Figure 1.1: A flame tetrahedron

Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIET. Page 1

involving cooking oils and grease.

1.2 Sound Waves

expansion creates a minute pressure difference that we perceive as sound.

Sound is a vibration that propagates as a perceptible mechanical wave of pressure and