This paper describes an experimental study of the dynamics of smoke filling in realistic, full-scale, multiroom fire scenarios. A major objective of the study was to generate an experimental data base for use in the verification of mathematical fire simulation models. The test space involved 2 or 3 rooms, connected by open doorways. During the course of the study the areas were partitioned to yield four different configurations. One of the rooms was a burn room containing a methane burner which produced either a constant energy release rate of 25, 100, or 225 kW or a time-varying energy release rate which increased linearly with time from zero at ignition to 300 kW in 10 min. An artificial smoke source near the ceiling of the burn room provided a means for visualizing the descent of the hot layer and the dynamics of the smoke filling process in the various spaces. The development of the hot stratified layers in the various spaces was monitored by vertical arrays of thermocouples and photometers. A layer interface was identified and its position as a function of time was determined. An analysis and discussion of these results are presented.
A mathematical model for estimating the time available for safe egress from a fire is formulated. The model simulates the conditions which develop during the course of an enclosure fire. Since life safety considerations are primary, the simulation model which is adopted focuses attention only on phenomena which develop between the times of h e ignition and onset of hazardous conditions. This allows significant simplifications in modeling which may not be otherwise justified. Using computed variables of a simulated fire scenario of interest, times of fire detection and onset of hazard which are deduced from realistic detection and hazard criteria would be estimated. The Available Safe Egress Time (ASET) would be defined as the length of the time interval which separates these two events. Quantitative specifications for a variety of detection and hazard criteria are idensed. Results of exercising the model are presented, and ASET estimates are obtained for a wide variety of realistic fire scenarios. A comparison between experimental results of a multi-room fire test and prediction of the single-room model suggest that the model has potentid utility in providing practical simulations of multi-room fire environments.
A project was carried out at The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to study the feasibility of developing a new-generation , multi-room, compartment fire model computer code, called the Consolidated Compartment Fire Model (CCFM) computer code. The idea was that such a code would consolidate past progress in zone-type compartment fire modeling, and allow readily for integration of future advances with the greatest possible flexibility. Desired features of the CCFM would include: comprehensive documentation, user-friendliness, significant modularity, nrimerical robustness, and versatility in the sense that the code would provide a capability of analyzing a particular compartment fire problem by using any one of a range of physical-phenomena-modeling sophistication, from the most basic to the most comprehensive. The project led to the development of a prototype multi-room CCFM product called CCFM. VENTS. CCFM. VENTS involves a model formulation and code structure that allows for the required future CCFM growth flexibility. It has a relatively sophisticated and very general room-to-room forced and unforced vent flow capability. Finally, the CCFM. VENTS code uses the simplest possible, point-source-plume, smokefilling fire physics in the rooms-offire-origin and a very simple heat transfer calculation there and in other spaces. This is Part I of a four-part report which documents the above effort. Introductory remarks discuss the generic features of the CCFM and the specific features of CCFM. VENTS. The main objective of this Part I document is to present a comprehensive description of the governing equations of CCFM. VENTS and their technical basis.
, when the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act was signed. NIST retains all NBS functions. Its new programs will encourage improved use of technology by U.S. industry.
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