SIK506 Modelling of Fire Safety

Contents and structure

Computer-based models are invaluable for understanding fire behavior and improving fire safety measures. The course will delve into the theory and practical aspects of computational fire simulation tools like CFAST (Consolidated Model of Fire and Smoke Transport) and FDS (Fire Dynamics Simulator). CFAST is a two-zone fire model while FDS is a computational fluid dynamics model of fire-driven fluid flow. We will examine the conservation equations that FDS solves, which are a form of the Navier-Stokes equations, and how these equations are used to model the behavior of smoke and heat transport from fires. In the course, we will cover the fundamental equations of zone models. We will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of two-zone modeling and CFD approaches in fire simulations. We will explore various processes like heat transfers, pyrolysis through FDS, and their corresponding equations. We will discuss how FDS implements various boundary conditions. These tools can predict intricate fire behaviors, furnishing crucial data on fire safety. Such information can significantly improve the fire safety of structures and at the same time bolster firefighting and rescue operations. Beyond immediate firefighting, engineers can employ these computational tools to simulate fires in diverse settings, aiding in designing buildings, tunnels, and other infrastructures that prioritize safety. We will gain hands-on experience with fire modeling software like CFAST and FDS. This includes solving practical problems and validating the results against real-world data.

Learning Outcome

After completing the course, the student has the following learning outcome:

Knowledge

The student…

• has knowledge of the foundational theory of two-zone and CFD fire models.
• has knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the two-zone and CFD fire models.
• has knowledge of the importance of various processes like combustion, pyrolysis, and turbulence in fire simulations.

Skills

The student…

• has developed proficiency in utilizing CFAST two-zone models. The student can use the tool to calculate the time to flashover and smoke layer heights.
• has gain practical skills in deploying the FDS CFD fire model and visualizing the results.
• can use the FDS to perform fire simulations in various environments like tunnels and compartments. Furthermore, the student can compare simulation results to the available experimental data to validate the model.
• can use Pyrosim for constructing practical fire case simulations.

General competence

The student…

• has developed proficiency in utilizing computer tools to solve fire safety problems, visualizing the outcomes, and interpreting the results for practical application.
• can use sensitivity analysis and understands the impact of grid size on the precision of fire safety simulations.
• has a clear understanding of the limitations inherent in simulation results.

Entry requirements

Successfully completion of SIK503 Research Methology and one of either SIK501 Introduction to Fire Safety or SIK502 Introduction to Fire Prevention.

Recommended previous knowledge

Fire Dynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Python Programming

Teaching methods

Teaching methods for the course include digital lectures, practical exercises to develop proficiency in using software tools, demonstrative sessions for learning about the use of fire models, and problem-based learning scenarios where we use the software tools to solve fire safety problems. Both collaborative group studies and guided independent studies are integral to the learning process.

Compulsory learning activities

Students must submit a mandatory assignment by the stated deadline.

Assessment

Oral examination (digital), 30 minutes - 100% of the final grade

The final grade is based solely on an Individual Digital Oral Examination (approximately 30 minutes).

Grading scale: A to E (pass) and F (fail). Where A is the highest grade and E is the lowest passing grade.

Examination support material

None

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