Fire Models: The Future is Now!
Fire Models: The Future is Now!
(1685 K)
Bukowski, R. W.
NFPA Journal, Vol. 85, No. 6, 60-62,64,66-69,
March/April 1991.
Keywords:
fire models; computer models
Abstract:
Computer fire models are turning up more and more in the
everyday practice of fire protection. There are models
that can be used to predict the development of fire, the
performance of fire protection features and systems, the
behavior of people during a fire, the effects of fire on
victims, and more. Increasingly, expert judgment is no
longer sufficient to win a court case unless it is
backed up by calculations. In addition, code officials
are more willing to accept innovative designs as long as
detailed computer simulations show that the full intent
of the code is being met. And manufacturers are having
their products tested voluntarily to obtain the data
neeed to produce models that will assess the performance
of those products. To meet these varied needs, a large
number of models have been developed. A recent
international survey identified 36 actively supported
models just to predict the development of fire. Of
these, 20 predict the fire-generated environment--mainly
temperature--and 19 predict smoke movement in some way.
Six calculate fire growth rate, nine predict fire
endurance, four address detector or sprinkler response,
and two calculate occupant evacuation times. But what
are these models? How do they work? How accurate are
they? How can we tell when--and when not--to believe
them? These are just a few of the questions every fire
protection professional must be prepared to answer when
using, or encountering the results of, the models
themselves.
