Smoke Dispersion From Multiple Fire Plumes.
Smoke Dispersion From Multiple Fire Plumes.
(1919 K)
Trelles, J. J.; McGrattan, K. B.; Baum, H. R.
NIST SP 995; Volume 2; March 2003.
AIAA Journal, Vol. 37, No. 12, 1588-1601, December
1999.
Keywords:
fire plumes; smoke transport; atmospheric dispersion;
computational fluid dynamics
Abstract:
The effects of multiple fire plumes in a stably
stratified atmosphere with a uniform wind are
investigated. A parabolized approximation of the
steady-state Navier-Stokes equations obtained by
replacing the windward velocity component with the
ambient wind speed is the basis of the model.
Lagrangian particles are used to visualize the flow,
account for atmospheric fluctuations, and determine the
smoke concentration field. Multiple-plume interactions
can push particulate up to altitudes exceeding that of
an equivalent single plume. A parametric study based on
separation and beat release rates is performed for two
plumes. The most dramatic increases in plume rise and
spread are found for in-line plumes, parallel to the
wind direction. Multiple-plume interactions can yield
nonuniformities in the smoke concentration field that
differ substantially from that predicted by Gaussian
models.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899