Numerical field model simulation of full-scale fire tests in a closed spherical/cylindrical vessel with internal ventilation

Shipboard fires have plagued mariners for centuries; they still cause significant damage and casualties each year. Improved fire prevention and control require a sound knowledge of the phenomena of fire. At the same time, a study of fires in enclosed pressure vessels has been undertaken by the Navy using FIRE-1, a large pressure vessel, to conduct full-scale experimental fires. A computer model is being developed to simulate the FIRE-1 tests. This three- dimensional finite difference model uses a cylindrical/spherical coordinate system and includes the effects of turbulence, surface and flame radiation, internal ventilation, global and local pressure corrections, strong buoyancy, and conjugate boundary conditions. Given a heat release rate, the model computes temperature, pressure, density and velocity fields for the entire vessel. This thesis presents the internal ventilation feature of the model and compares the numerical results to a nonventilated case. Additional features such a combustion and gaseous radiation are being incorporated to more accurately model real fires. When validated, this model will become a useful tool for evaluating fire prevention and control procedures and equipment. Keywords: Field model: Fire simulation; Fire modeling; Numerical fire model; Fires; Closed vessels; Enclosed fires; Theses. (MGM)