Full Scale Simulation of a Fatal Fire and Comparison of Results With Two Multiroom Models. Volume 1.
Full Scale Simulation of a Fatal Fire and Comparison of
Results With Two Multiroom Models. Volume 1.
(2491 K)
Levine, R. S.; Nelson, H. E.
NISTIR 90-4268; 105 p. August 1990.
Available from:
National Technical Information Service
Order number: PB91-107482
Keywords:
kitchen fires; model studies; predictive models; fire
investigations; carbon monoxide; home fires; death;
large scale fire tests; simulation; smoke transport;
toxic products; computer models; smoke
Abstract:
In 1987, a fire in a kitchen in Sharon, PA resulted in
the deaths of three persons in upstairs bedrooms, one
with a reported blood carboxyhemoglobin content of 91%.
Considerable physical evidence remained. The fire was
successfully simulated at full scale in a fully
instrumented seven room test called SHARON 2. The data
collected during SHARON 2 have been used to evaluate the
precision of two multiroom computer fire codes: FAST 18
and HARVARD 6.3. A coherent ceiling layer flow occurred
during the SHARON 2 simulation and quickly carried high
concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) to remote
compartments. Such flow is not directly accounted for
in either computer code. However, both codes predict
well the carbon monoxide buildup in the sixth room
(i.e., the room most remote from the fire). Prediction
of the pre-flashover temperature rise was good.
Prediction of temperatures after flashover of the room
of origin was less successful. Other predictions of
conditions throughout the seven test rooms varied from
good approximations to significant deviation from test
data. Hypotheses are presented as to the reasons for the
differences. At least some are believed due to
phenomena not considered in the computer codes.
[Please refer to NISTIR 90-4268 for the data.]
