A multi-component dataset framework for validation of CFD flame spread models

Abstract

A review of the literature has shown the need for a comprehensive flame spread dataset framework for computational fluid dynamics model validation purposes. To develop this framework, the flame spread process was viewed as having four key components: turbulent fluid dynamics, gas phase kinetics, flame heat transfer, and condensed-phase pyrolysis. A series of extensively instrumented inter-related experiments based on the four components was conducted under different source fire permutations. This series of three progressively more complex experiments, from free plume, to inert wall fires, to combustible wall flame spread were carried out to enable collection of data relevant to each component of flame spread. Measurements made include heat release rate, plume centerline temperature and velocity, heat flux to wall, near-wall temperature, flame height, flame spread progression, mass loss, and burn pattern. The combustible wall test data in the current research may not be enough to validate a complex real-world integrated flame spread model. However, the sub-models within the integrated model may be validated cohesively using the various types of data presented here as the first step of the validation process.

Keywords

Flame spread two-dimensional flame spread flame spread rate pyrolysis fiber-reinforced plastic plume temperature plume velocity heat flux free plume inert wall combustible wall panel fire modeling computational fluid dynamics experimental data dataset turbulent buoyant fluid flow gas phase kinetics flame heat transfer condensed-phase pyrolysis

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