Modeling Train Fires in Fire Dynamic Simulator

Melbourne, Australia

Tara Barden

Jason BrownTodd Hetrick

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Overview of Project

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Objectives• Develop a passenger train car model to

predict total HRR (heat release rate)

• Design a modifiable model for use in future simulations

• Gain an understanding of material properties and fire involvement

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The Approach• Obtain an understanding of FDS software• Knowledge of full scale experiment• Make the FDS model of the train compartment

–Ignition source

–Fuel properties

–Geometry

–Instruments• Run simulations to analyze model

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Model Assessment

FDS versus full scale experiment results

• Analyze temperature, heat flux, and pressure predictions

• Visually compare smoke and fire plumes

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FDS ResultsDoor 'A' - CSIRO vs. FDS(Temperature vs. Time)

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Time (s)

Tem

p(C

)

FDS (DA1)

FDS (DA5)

FDS (DA9)

FDS (DA12)

CSIRO (DA1)

CSIRO (DA5)

CSIRO (DA9)

CSIRO (DA12)

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FDS ResultsThermocouple Rake 'B' - CSIRO vs. FDS

(Temperature vs. Time)

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1400

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Time (s)

Tem

p(C

)

FDS (B1)

FDS (B3)

FDS (B6)

FDS (B9)

CSIRO (B1)

CSIRO (B3)

CSIRO (B5)

CSIRO (B9)

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Heat Release RateHeat Loss from FDS Environment vs. Time

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Time (s)

Hea

t F

lux

(kW

)

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Impact on Sponsor

• Currently using this FDS model with some modifications of material properties

• Another WPI-MQP group has continued this project to make improvements with material modeling

CSIRO

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Personal & Professional Growth• Amazing opportunity to travel to Australia

• Appreciation for different cultures

• Experience working and living with students

• Great introduction to fire modeling as an undergraduate student

• advantage with graduate

level courses

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Questions or Comments ?