Analysis of FDS Thermal Detector Response Prediction Capability.
Analysis of FDS Thermal Detector Response Prediction
Capability.
(3775 K)
Hurley, M. J.; Munguia, A.
NIST GCR 09-921; 105 p. January 2009.
Sponsor:
National Institute of Standards and Technology,
Gaithersburg, MD
Keywords:
experiments; fire plumes; ceiling jets; temperature;
thermal detectors; detector response; large scale fire
tests; compartments; ceiling height; heat release rate;
thermocouples; simulation; spacing; test data; computer
models; thermal properties; uncertainity
Abstract:
Predictions of fire plume and ceiling jet temperature
and the response of thermal detectors from NIST's Fire
Dynamics Simulator (FDS) were compared to data from a
series of full-scale tests conducted by Underwriters
Laboratory. The tests were conducted in a 36.6 m x 36.6
m compartment with ceiling heights ranging from 3.0
meters to 12.2 meters. Heat release rates followed a
modified t2 growth profile. Thermocouples attached to
brass disks were used to simulate thermal detectors. FDS
simulations were conducted with a grid spacing of 100
mm. A convergence study found that grid-size convergence
was achieved outside of the plume region. However, grid
convergence was not achieved in the plume region at this
grid spacing. Outside of the plume region, FDS
predictions were within a factor of 1.9 of test data.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899