Bizarre travelling flame discovery

Summary by Krater

Steve Mould explores the physics of excitable mediums by examining why fire travels in a continuous circle along 3D-printed lighter fluid troughs, comparing shapes and trough dimensions.

From the video

Answers: Why does fire travel in a circle in lighter fluid troughs?

• Excitable mediums
• Lighter fluid troughs
• Flame propagation
• Refractory period
• Cellular automata

What it concludes

• A trough width of 5 millimeters with a semicircular cross section is optimal for maintaining a continuous circular flame.
• The refractory time of lighter fluid vapor and the speed of the flame front determine whether a ring-shaped flame can continuously circle the trough.