Numerical simulation of an experimental atrium fires in combined natural and forced ventilation by CFD

Abstract

This study investigates the measurements data attained in Murcia Atrium fire tests (Gutiérrez-Montes, Sanmiguel-Rojas, Viedma, & Rein) using general CFD code, CFX-16.2 ( CFX-16.2, ANSYS, Inc.). Experiments were executed by burning heptane as a fuel for three different fires capacities, (1.32, 2.28 and 2.34 MW). Historically, CFX was validated with experimental data for compartment fires including natural ventilation only. In this paper validation was performed for developing fires during transient period in a large space, including the effect of combined natural and forced ventilation. Two different combustion models i.e. Non-combustion model and Eddy Dissipation Model (EDM) were used to represent the combustion of heptane. Four different approaches were employed to determine the predicted dynamic behavior of the smoke height and to evaluate the accuracy of CFX predictions. The results display CFX predictions have a reasonable concord with the experimental data. Therefore, CFX can be a valid tool for performance-based engineering to evaluate the smoke systems required for complex enclosed structures.

Keywords:

• Atrium fire tests
• CFD
• CFX validation
• forced ventilation
• smoke layer height

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mohsen M. Barsim

Mohsen M. Barsim is a Ph.D. candidatein the Department of Mechanical Power Engineering and Energy, Faculty ofEngineering, Minia University, Minia, Egypt. He holds an MSC in mechanicalpower engineering, His research focuses on fluid mechanics and fire safety engineering.

Magdy A. Bassily

Magdy A. Bassily is a Professor of Turbomachinery, Department of Mechanical Power Engineering and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, Minia University, Minia, Egypt.

Hesham M. El-Batsh

Hesham M. El-Batsh is a Professor of Energy Systems, Vice Dean for Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research, Benha Faculty of Engineering, Benha University, Benha, Egypt.

Yaser A. Rihan

Yaser A. Rihan is a Professor of Heat Transfer, work in nuclear fuel technology Department-Hot lab. center, Atomic energy authority, Anshas, Egypt. Vice Dean for the Menoufia High Institute of Engineering and Technology.

Magda M. Sherif

Magda M. Sherif Elfully is a Lecturer, MechatronicEngineering Department, El Minia High Institute for Engineering and Technology, Egypt.