Thermal Response of Gypsum-Panel/Steel-Stud Wall Systems Explosed to Fire Environments - A Simulation for Use in Zone-Type Fire Models.
Thermal Response of Gypsum-Panel/Steel-Stud Wall Systems
Explosed to Fire Environments - A Simulation for Use in
Zone-Type Fire Models.
(2985 K)
Cooper, L. Y.
NISTIR 6027; 54 p. June 1997.
Available from:
National Technical Information Service
Order number: PB97-184147
Keywords:
walls; ASTM E119; compartment fires; fire models; fire
barriers; gypsum board; zone models; heat transfer
Abstract:
This work develops a method for simulating the thermal
response of fire-environment-exposed wall systems
constructed of arbitrary-thickness gypsum panels mounted
on either side of vertical steel studs. The studs,
separated at regular intervals, form an unfilled air gap
between the panels. The main objective is an
experimentally-validated, modular, thermal-wall-model
algorithm that can be easily integrated into zone-type
compartment fire models that can be used in
"stand-alone" analyses. The algorithm solves an
initial-value/boundary-value problem for the temperature
distribution through the thicknesses of the two panels
and within a specific time interval. The analysis is
based on temperature-dependent thermal properties for
the gypsum. The initial temperature distribution and the
type of boundary conditions at the outer surfaces are
user-specified. A variety of choices for the boundary
conditions are available. These include boundary
conditions that are expected to satisfy the requirements
of any zone-type fire model and those that can be used
to determine fire performance of the wall systems in
ASTM E119 or ISO 834 tests. The algorithm output
includes the final temperature distribution and, when
outer surface temperatures are specified, the final rate
of heat transfer to these surfaces.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899