2nd Edition

Introduction to Mathematical Fire Modeling

By Marc L. Janssens Copyright 2000
    276 Pages
    by CRC Press

    276 Pages
    by CRC Press

    Computer simulation proves to be a valuable tool for the analysis and prediction of compartment fires. With the proper understanding and software, fire safety professionals can use modeling tools and methods to find answers to many critical questions relating to the prevention, investigation, and reconstruction of compartment fires.

    Thoroughly updated and revised, An Introduction to Mathematical Fire Modeling, Second Edition introduces the concepts, software, and techniques of computer-aided mathematical modeling and the software for the analysis and prediction of a variety of compartment fires. Beginning with basic compartment fire theory, the author develops a simple mathematical model that provides an engineering approximation of the time-varying conditions created by fires in an enclosure that may be subject to hot-layer vents.

    This is the first book focused on the deterministic computer modeling of compartment fires, and the FIRM model presented is the first fire model to be documented, validated, verified, and evaluated according to ASTM guidelines. The text includes detailed information on the use of the QBASIC software provided on an enclosed CD-ROM.

    BASIC COMPARTMENT FIRE THEORY
    Introduction
    Approaches to Mathematical Fire Modeling
    Computer Languages Used for Fire Modeling
    INTRODUCTION TO MATHEMATICAL COMPARTMENT FIRE MODELING:
    The Fire Compartment
    The Fire Flame and Plume
    The Hot and Cold Gas Layers
    Heat Release Rate of the Fire
    Heat Transfer in Enclosure Fires
    Generic Compartment Zone Fire Model
    ASET-QB: A SIMPLE ROOM FIRE MODEL
    Introduction
    Formulation of the ASET Equations: Layer Interface Height, Hot-Layer Temperature, Outflow of Lower Layer Gases
    Solution of the Differential Equations
    The ASET-QB Computer Program: Heat Release Rate, Geometry of the Fire Compartment, Radiative and Total Heat Loss Fractions
    Comparison Between ASET-QB and SET-B
    Limitations of ASET-QB: The Plume Model, Hot-Layer Venting, Hot-Layer Species Concentrations, Burning in the Hot Layer, Oxygen Starvation, Heat Loss Fraction, Burning Rates
    MODIFICATIONS TO ASET-QB
    Venting of the Hot Layer:
    Oxygen-Limited Burning
    Heat Loss Fraction Calculation
    Heat Release Rate Predictions
    The Prediction of Flashover
    The FIRM-QB Model
    Introduction
    Fire Problem Modeled by FIRM-QB
    Technical Description of FIRM-QB
    FIRM-QB Program Description
    FIRM-QB Data Libraries
    FIRM-QB USER'S MANUAL
    Introduction
    Technical Documentation
    Program Description
    Installing and Operating FIRM-QB
    Program Considerations
    Input Data: General Considerations, Specific Considerations for Each Input Variable
    External Data Files
    System Control Requirements
    Output Information
    Personnel and Program Requirements
    Sample Problems
    The FIRM-QB Model as a Design Tool
    The FIRM-QB Model as a Hazard Analysis Tool
    Restrictions and Limitations
    Error Messages
    EVALUATION OF THE PREDICTIVE CAPABILITY OF FIRM-QB
    Introduction
    Predictive Capability of Fire Models: Documentation, Validation, Verification, Evaluation
    Predictive Capability of FIRM-QB: Documentation, Validation, Verification, Evaluation, Comparison of FIRM-QB Predictions with Experimental Data
    Conclusions
    CONCLUSIONS
    APPENDICES
    Conversion Factors and Constants
    Review of Fundamentals of Engineering for Fire Modeling
    Installing and Running theSoftware
    QBASIC Programmer's Notes
    Visual Basic Programs
    REFERENCES

    Biography

    Marc L. Janssens