What is the term for the flow of heat and smoke from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure?

The term that describes the movement of heat and smoke from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure is known as the flow path. This concept is critical in understanding how fire dynamics operate in a burning structure.

In fire scenarios, the combustion process generates hot gases that create a high-pressure zone, which can lead to a flow of these gases towards lower pressure areas, such as openings in a structure or unburned areas. Recognizing and understanding the flow path is essential for firefighters, as it influences their strategy for ventilation, suppression, and overall fire behavior control. By managing the flow path, firefighters can effectively reduce the spread of heat and smoke, making it safer for occupants and more efficient for rescue and firefighting efforts.

Other terms listed, such as convective track and structural pressure gradient, do not specifically describe the movement of heat and smoke in the context of fire dynamics, while exhaust flow typically refers to the movement of smoke and gases vented out of the structure rather than the underlying mechanics of pressure-driven flow.