Wind effects on flame projection probability from a compartment with opposing openings. (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Man; Gao, Zihe; Ji, Jie; Li, Kaiyuan; Sun, Jinhua
• Is Part Of: Fire safety journal. Volume 91(2017:Jul.)
• Page Start: 414
• Page End: 421
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: External wind -- Bidirectional flow -- Unidirectional flow -- Hot gas velocity -- Flame projection probability; Fire prevention -- Periodicals; Incendies -- Prévention -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Fire prevention -- Research; Periodicals; 628.92205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.firesaf.2017.04.037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-7112

Abstract

Abstract: This paper investigates flame projection probability from a compartment with opposing openings under assisting wind environment. The effect of external wind on the flow conditions at the door, hot gas velocity at the window and flame projection probability was investigated. Results showed that when the external wind is absent or at low wind velocities, bidirectional flow can be seen at the door. With the increment of the wind velocity, the bidirectional flow will become unidirectional at low fuel supply rate. At high wind velocities, the unidirectional flow can be seen at the door regardless of the fuel supply rate. Correlations for hot gas velocity at the window are formulated based on the mass conservation of the flow in the compartment. The calculated results have a good agreement with the experimental data. Due to fluctuations of the gases ejected from the window, flames eject from the compartment intermittently. The intermittent characteristic of flame ejecting from the compartment is influenced by the temperature and velocity of the hot gas velocity at the window. The model to predict flame projection probability is modified based on previous study without external wind. Highlights: The airflow patterns inside the compartment under external wind environment were investigated. Correlations for hot gas velocity at the window were formulated. A modified model to predict flame projection probability under external wind was established.