Modelling and Numerical Simulation of a Compartment Fire: Flow Rate Behaviour at Opening

Abstract

The modelling of fire behaviour in a compartment is the subject of this work. A small-scale experimental study was carried out in a compartment sized 0.5 m × 0.5 m × 0.5 m with a single door with a width of 0.2 m and a height of 0.4 m. The collected results were converted to full-scale results using Froude modelling. The objective of this study was to see how ventilation affects fuel decomposition rate, gas flow rate at the opening and the power generated inside the compartment. This small-scale experimental study allowed us to determine four values of the fuel’s (diesel) mass loss rate, which correspond to four values of the ventilation factor. Numerical simulation using Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) software was used to show the gas’ behaviour at the opening and the variation of the power generated inside the compartment. The vertical profiles of the experimental and numerical temperatures were compared. It was found that the dimensions of the opening have a significant influence on the power generated inside the compartment.