Issues in Evaluation of Complex Fire Models.
Issues in Evaluation of Complex Fire Models.
(2292 K)
Peacock, R. D.; Reneke, P. A.; Forney, C. L.; Kostreva,
M. M.
Fire Safety Journal, Vol. 30, 103-136, 1998.
Keywords:
fire safety; fire research; fire models; sensitivity
analysis; evaluation; room fires
Abstract:
Several methods of evaluation of the predictive
capability have been applied to fire models, but with
limited utility. These range from explicit evaluation of
the equations used in simple models such as ASET to
pointwise evaluation of complex models from numerous
computer runs of a model. This paper presents a
discussion of the issues involved in conducting an
analysis of a complex room fire model. Examples using
currently available room fire models are presented. For
the models and test cases examined, heat release rate
and heat transfer effects dominate the behavior of the
models. For simple models like the ASET model,
analytical techniques can be readily applied. For more
complex fire models, obtaining an overall assessment of
the model increases in complexity with the complexity of
the model, requiring evaluation of numerous model inputs
and outputs. Thus, more directed local investigations
are currently the only tractable means of evaluation.
Areas for additional research are identified.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899