The lecture is free to attend and open to all, but registration is required in advance
A drinks reception will follow the lecture at 18:30 on the Level 2 Concourse outside the lecture theatre
Abstract
How does a fire start, spread or destroy? And what can we do about it?
Fire is the greatest discovery in human history, and there is certainly within each of us an 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.
In the modern world, 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.
Biography
Guillermo Rein is a Professor of Fire Science at Imperial College London whose work involves whipping up fire tornadoes and spraying embers from the ‘Imperial Dragon’ in his Hazelab. In his inaugural lecture he will discuss a career reducing the worldwide burden of accidental fires and protecting people, their property and the environment. From today’s largest threats, he will also look to the past and discuss how the same modelling work is revealing the role of fire in the Titanic’s rapid sinking, and the true nature of the Great Fire of London.