By a systematic study of literature data, mathematical equations have been derived which describe the interrelationships of flammability and other related properties of the n-alkanes. The properties which have been correlated are: lower and upper flammability limits, flash point, vapor pressure (at the flash point), flammability index (explorsiveness), boiling point, stoichiometric concentration, heat of combustion, molecular weight, and carbon number. Good agreement was found between average literature data and values calculated by the derived equations. From a given flammability property, by use of the derived equations, it is possible to predict the other properties, as well as the relative magnitudes of changes in these properties as a result of a change in the given property. (Author).

Previous work on the interrelations of the flammability properties of n-alkanes in air have been extended to both vapor and liquid fuel mixtures. Based on the application of Raoult's and Dalton's laws governing vapor pressure and composition above a solution of two or more liquid hydrocarbons to Le Chatelier's rule governing the flammability limits of vapor mixtures, equations have been derived which make it possible to predict overall flammability properties of mixtures from the properties and proportions of the individual components. The flammability properties which were studied include: lower and upper flammability limits, heat of combustion, stoichiometric concentration, flash point, and flammability index ('explosiveness'). The derived equations demonstrate, quantitatively, why vapor pressure of individual constituents plays a more important role than concentration on the overall flammability properties of liquid hydrocarbon solutions, and that a very small amount of a highly volatile contaminant in a relatively nonflammable fuel may make it flammable. (Author).