Quantifying Fire Model Evaluation Using Functional Analysis.
Quantifying Fire Model Evaluation Using Functional
Analysis.
(1141 K)
Peacock, R. D.; Reneke, P. A.; Davis, W. D.; Jones, W.
W.
Fire Safety Journal, Vol. 33, 167-184, 1999.
Keywords:
fire models; predictive models; evaluation; computer
models; computer programs; data analysis; fire research;
fire tests; validation; zone models
Abstract:
Comparisons of predictive fire models with each other or
with experimental data have been largely qualitative. By
treating these time series curves as
infinite-dimensional vectors, a branch of mathematics
called functional analysis defines geometrically
meaningful operations on the curves. This allows
lengths, angles, and distance between two arbitrary
curves to be defined and quantified. An introduction to
the theory and tools provided by functional analysis is
presented. Examples of the application of these tools to
fire model evaluation are presented.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899