A computational fluid dynamics study of wood fire extinguishment by water sprinkler

Abstract

A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model is developed to predict extinguishment times of an array of wood slats by water sprinkler. The model predicts flow field, combustion of wood volatiles and radiation transfer. The gas-phase model is coupled with the wood pyrolysis model to predict a volatile release rate. A sprinkler water spray is modelled using a Lagrangian particle tracking procedure, coupled with the gas flow model by a Particle-Source-In-Cell algorithm. A simple model of instant droplet evaporation at the burning surface is employed. The experimental program includes full-scale experiments in a fire gallery with a commercial sprinkler system installed in the roof. In some tests ..