Validating Thermal Response Models Using Bench-Scale and Intermediate-Scale Fire Experiment Data

Abstract

The thermal response of a fiber reinforced polymer composite was measured by the bench-scale Cone Calorimeter and Intermediate-scale Calorimeter (ICAL) fire experiments. Finite-rate and infinite-rate pyrolysis models were used to predict the response of the composite panels under the same thermal boundary conditions as in the fire tests. It was shown that both models can give acceptable temperature, mass loss, and effective char thickness predictions. The effect of internal gas convection on thermal response predictions was determined insignificant at low heat flux levels. The thermal insulation at the back surface of the composite panel significantly increased both temperature and mass loss predictions.

Keywords:

• thermal response
• fire test
• fire properties
• finite element modeling
• fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)
• pyrolysis

Acknowledgment

The authors wish to thank Mr. Daniel Witcher at Strongwell Corp. (Bristol, VA) for providing testing materials.