Experimental and numerical study of fire dynamics in air-tight buildings
Researchers:
- Junyi Li
- Bart Merci (supervisor)
- Tarek Beji (supervisor)
Description:
In the PhD study, fire dynamics in air-tight buildings are investigated, with an emphasis on the substantial fire-induced pressure variations, generally less considered a concern in fire research. Experimental and numerical studies are carried out in reduced-scale and full-scale facilities, and theoretical analysis is conducted, based on the energy balance. A systematic experimental campaign of reduced-scale experiments, conducted at IRSN (French Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire), allows to comprehensively investigate the factors affecting the fire behavior in an air-tight compartment. Full-scale experiments with methanol pool fires, conducted in collaboration with the University of Mons, reveal quantitative information on the fire-induced pressure variation in a larger size air-tight double room compartment. The experimentally observed pressure variations are interpreted by elaborating the energy balance equation. In terms of numerical study, the fire dynamics and pressure variations are studied by means of CFD simulations, using FDS. This includes model validation, as well as extensions of the analyses from the experimental campaign. A preliminary scaling analysis is also presented.
Funding:
