- Author
-
Fitzgerald, R. W.
- Title
- Development of Engineering Models and Design Aids to Predict Flame Movement and Fire Severity Within a Room. Final Report.
- Coporate
- Worcester Polytechnic Inst., MA
- Sponsor
- National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD
Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Washington, DC
- Report
-
NBS GCR 78-119,
December 1977,
98 p.
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Contract
- GRANT-59019
- Keywords
-
barrier analysis
|
fire severity
|
fire spread
|
fuel load
|
models
|
probability
|
room fires
|
systems analysis
|
ventilation
- Abstract
- This report presents a logical framework and engineering models for the determination of the probabilities of flame movement and fire severity within a room. The fire researcher is the intended audience for this report. The report describes the engineering application of the Goals Oriented Systems Approach. It identifies the data requirements needed to quantify engineering predictions of flame movement within a room. A model is presented that will translate result into a useable engineering form. A format for the display of results for use in engineering practice is suggested in Appendices B and C. A systems logic for barrier analysis and a philosophy for engineering design was a necessary prerequisite to the establishment of fire severity levels. The logic presented in the report forms the basis of the conclusion that is the predictability of field performance of barriers is the objective of barrier analysis, refinement of the fire severity component alone will do little to accomplish the objective. A procedure for barrier analysis somewhat similar in concept to the structural design of floors is proposed. In this context, a method for establishing the energy impact (fire severity) component is suggested in Appendix D. An overview of the states-transition method of the Goals Oriented System Approach is presented in Appendix A. It is suggested that Appendix A be studied by those unfamiliar with this method before reading the body of the report.