Comments on Simulating Big Post-flashover Room Fires Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Abstract

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) fire modelling has been used in fire hazard assessment over 50 years. However, most of the CFD models are not properly validated by large-scale fire tests due to high cost and other environmental difficulties. There were many criticisms on having many adjustable parameters and they will be discussed in this article. Application of CFD in fire modelling should be watched with problems rarely discussed in the literature. Improper uses gave wrong predictions and full-scale burning tests are needed to justify the results. Further, using CFD in big fire investigation has to be very careful with support by appropriate burning tests. There is a long way to go in applying CFD to simulate big room fires.