Comparison of FPETool:FIRE SIMULATOR With Data From Full Scale Experiments.
Comparison of FPETool:FIRE SIMULATOR With Data From Full
Scale Experiments.
(1586 K)
Vettori, R. L.; Madrzykowski, D.
NISTIR 6470; 73 p. February 2000.
Sponsor:
General Services Administration, Washington, DC
Order number: PB2000-101951
Keywords:
zone models; ceiling jets; computer models; fire growth;
layer heights; quick response sprinklers; residential
sprinklers; sprinklers; sprinkler response; wall fires
Abstract:
A comparison of the compartment zone fire model
FPETool:FIRE SIMULATOR is made with data from three
different full scale experimental compartment fire
studies. These three studies represent a variation of
room geometry, ventilation factors, thermal physical
properties, fuels, fire geometry and fire growth.
Depending on the experimental data presented,
comparisons were made for the following parameters,
ceiling jet velocity, ceiling jet temperature, upper
layer depth, detector link temperature, time to
sprinkler activation, and heat release rate at time of
sprinkler activation. Results for predicted sprinkler
activation times ranged from 74% to 159% of measured
times depending on the RTI chosen for the sprinkler,
characteristics of the fire, and fire growth rate. All
predicted ceiling jet velocities differed by
approximately a factor of two from measured values.
Generally, upper layer depth predictions were good only
for situations where there was not a large vent from the
room. For the full scale experiment conducted in a
large room with a high ceiling, predicted link and
ceiling jet temperatures had better agreement with
measured values if consideration was given to the time
required for the transport of the products of combustion
from the fire to the link. For experiments which had
varying fire growth rates predictions for upper layer
temperature increase were better for experiments with
the slower fire growth rates.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899