The mathematical modelling and computer simulation of fire development in aircraft

Galea, ER; Markatos, NC

dc.contributor.author	Galea, ER	en
dc.contributor.author	Markatos, NC	en
dc.date.accessioned	2014-03-01T01:08:35Z
dc.date.available	2014-03-01T01:08:35Z
dc.date.issued	1991	en
dc.identifier.issn	0017-9310	en
dc.identifier.uri	https://dspace.lib.ntua.gr/xmlui/handle/123456789/10586
dc.subject	Computer Simulation	en
dc.subject	Mathematical Modelling	en
dc.subject.classification	Thermodynamics	en
dc.subject.classification	Engineering, Mechanical	en
dc.subject.classification	Mechanics	en
dc.subject.other	ENCLOSURES	en
dc.subject.other	FLOW	en
dc.subject.other	HEAT	en
dc.title	The mathematical modelling and computer simulation of fire development in aircraft	en
heal.type	journalArticle	en
heal.identifier.primary	10.1016/0017-9310(91)90185-H	en
heal.identifier.secondary	http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0017-9310(91)90185-H	en
heal.language	English	en
heal.publicationDate	1991	en
heal.abstract	The paper presents a steady-state or transient, three-dimensional mathematical field model describing aircraft cabin fires. The fire is modelled by a simple heat source, and the simulation is intended to represent non-spreading fires. The computer code implementing the model uses a body-fitted coordinate (BFC) formulation to describe accurately the interior of the aircraft, that is neither Cartesian nor polar-cylindrical. The model is first used to predict the experimental results obtained from a series of fire tests performed in a Boeing-737 fuselage (without fittings). Both steady-state and transient results are presented and discussed. Then the effect of openings in the fuselage and cabin compartmentation on the temperature distribution within the empty aircraft cabin is investigated. With the forward and aft bulkhead doors open, allowing for natural convection, the temperatures are kept to tolerate levels. When the forward door is closed while the aft is kept open, temperatures increase throughout the cabin even in the aft section. With both forward and aft doors open, the cabin is partitioned into two communicating sections, the forward section containing the fire. When compared to the non-compartmented case temperatures in the aft section decrease while temperatures in the forward section increase. With the cabin fitted with seats, ceiling panels and overhead stowage bins the effect of the aircraft's air-conditioning system on the temperature distribution within the burning fuselage is examined. The results suggest that a reverse flow situation (i.e. cold air injected through floor vents and hot air sucked out at ceiling vents) greatly reduces the temperature throughout the fuselage. It is concluded that, although insufficiently validated as yet due to the lack of extensive and suitable experimental data, the model is promising.	en
heal.publisher	PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD	en
heal.journalName	International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer	en
dc.identifier.doi	10.1016/0017-9310(91)90185-H	en
dc.identifier.isi	ISI:A1991EW59700018	en
dc.identifier.volume	34	en
dc.identifier.issue	1	en
dc.identifier.spage	181	en
dc.identifier.epage	197	en