Full Scale Simulation of a Fatal Fire and Comparison of Results With Two Multiroom Models.
Full Scale Simulation of a Fatal Fire and Comparison of
Results With Two Multiroom Models.
(506 K)
Levine, R. S.; Nelson, H. E.
NISTIR 4449;
U.S./Japan Government Cooperative Program on Natural
Resources (UJNR). Fire Research and Safety. 11th Joint
Panel Meeting. October 19-24, 1989, Berkeley, CA,
Jason, N. H.; Cramer, D. M., Editor(s)(s), 209-216 pp,
1990.
Available from:
National Technical Information Service
Keywords:
kitchen fires; predictive models; model studies; carbon
monoxide; large scale fire tests; simulation; smoke
transport; toxic products; bedrooms; home fires; death;
multiroom fires
Abstract:
A fire in a kitchen in Sharon, Pennsylvania killed three
persons in upstairs bedrooms, one with a 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 are used to evaluate the
precision of two multiroom fire codes: FAST 18 and
HARVARD 6.3. During the simulation, a coherent ceiling
layer flow was observed that quickly carried high CO
concentrations to remote compartments. Such flow is not
directly accounted for in either fire code. However,
both codes well predict the CO buildup. Prediction of
temperatures was less successful. Hypotheses are
presented as to the reasons for the differences. At
least some are believed due to phenomena not in the
codes.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899