3D Fire Dynamic Scenario for Training Systems Based on Immersive Virtual Reality for Firefighters

Abstract

Understanding fire behaviour indicators is very important, especially taking into account their integration in the primary fire evaluation process as part of the dynamic and continuous evaluation of risks to which people are exposed to. Construction fires are always characterised by certain critical behaviour factors such as smoke, air currents, heat and flames. Classical training methods for firefighters are practical exercises that are expensive and risky. The aim of the present article is to briefly present a new training method consisting of a dynamic 3D system based on immersive virtual reality. This paper presents results based on the characteristics and thermal values of the flashover in a case study. The phenomenon are simulated by using the Fire Dynamics Simulator, a computer program developed on a complex mathematical apparatus that can generate multiple output data (indicators such as temperatures, gas concentrations, speeds etc.). Results are validated by experimental tests in a testing metal facility from the Police Academy “A. I. Cuza”, Bucharest. The 3D graphic results offered by the simulation highlights the conditions and parameters to which the firefighters involved in putting-out a fire, in the presented training scenario, would be exposed.