Abstract
This thesis explores the pseudoscientific concept of spontaneous human combustion (SHC) within the context of interactions between fat storage, synthetic clothing materials, and the wick effect. While SHC itself may not be essential to understanding how synthetic fabrics impact burn patterns, its inclusion serves a dual purpose: addressing public misconceptions and situating SHC narratives within real-world fire-related phenomena. By investigating the influence of synthetic fibers versus natural fibers on burn damage and patterns, this research aims to bridge gaps in the existing literature, initiating a foundation for further academically rigorous and practically relevant inquiry
Additionally, this thesis and the burn experiment provide fire marshals and investigators with a deeper understanding of how synthetic clothing behaves differently from natural fiber-based clothing during combustion. The experiments conducted using pigs of varying weights have highlighted the role of body fat in burn duration and intensity, showing how individuals with greater fat reserves may experience more extensive burn damage. These findings comprehensively evaluate the wick effect, dispelling SHC myths while advancing forensic and fire investigation practices.