RAD-FIRE · Efficient methods for radiative heat transfer analysis in fires and water sprays for fire suppression

Efficient methods for radiative heat transfer analysis in fires and water sprays for fire suppression

Fire statistics show that every year in Europe, there are 4000 deaths due to fires, with annual cost of losses at €126bn. To address these fire safety challenges, the development of efficient fire safety engineering models and computing codes are needed. Thermal radiation is the dominant mode of heat transfer in fires and its rigorous and efficient modelling is important in fire safety engineering. RAD-FIRE aims to develop reliable and efficient radiative heat transfer models for fires and fire suppression by water sprays. Four main objectives were assigned to the RAD-FIRE project: 1. Develop and validate efficient and improved radiative transfer models 2. To develop the Experienced Researcher (ER)’s career by training him in acquiring new knowledge in fire safety engineering 3. To foster a two-way transfer of knowledge between the ER and participating organisations 4. To disseminate and communicate the results of the project. The action run for 18 months and has broadly met its main objectives. Its main conclusions can be summarised as follows. 1. A rigorous and simplified radiative heat transfer model based on the P1 spherical harmonics to solve the RTE (radiative transfer equation) was developed and applied to some real fire configurations. In addition, a box gas radiation model, based on the exponential wide band approach to handle gas radiation was implemented during the action. 2. The Experienced Researcher (ER), Dr Dombrovsky was provided training in fire modelling by the supervisors of the projects. These trainings have consisted in one to one sessions covering CFD approaches in fire models, turbulence and combustion modelling. Dr Dombrovsky also has attended the International Water Mist Conference in London in September 2018 to interact with researchers and industry members. 3. During the RAD-FIRE action, seminar and workshop presentations were given by the ER to share his radiation experience with staff and students. 4. A website was created to provide some update information on the RAD-FIRE project. The results of the project were disseminated in four scientific publications (two journals and two conferences). Contacts were made with industry during the International Water Mist Conference in London.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union