Three-Dimensional Modeling and Parametric Study of Turbulent Burning along the Walls of a Vertical Rectangular Channel

ABSTRACT

An efficient parabolized procedure is applied to the three-dimensional modeling of turbulent wall fires. This article presents results on the steady rate of turbulent burning along a vertical rectangular channel in which a buoyancy-induced draft developes. The system of governing equations consists of the Navier-Stokes momentum, mixture fraction and the k-ϵ-a turbulence model. The flame sheet model is used to describe the chemical reaction. The computations based on a finite volume method include the effects of natural convection, diffusion, viscosity, gravitational forces, and chemical reactions with energy release. This is the first detailed numerical analysis that address the interaction of diffusion flames, air entrapment and flow field between parallel vertical burning walls. Comparison between measurements and predictions are shown to be in reasonable agreement and areas requiring further research are discussed.

Key Words:

• Combustion
• wall fires
• turbulence
• buoyancy induced flow
• parabolized procedure