Development of a computer code to simulate fire in a vented compartment using 2-zone model

Zone models are the most common type of fire models in use today. Zone models are based on the assumption that the room gas volume comprises two distinct and uniform layers or zones: a lower layer of cold air and an upper layer of hot gases. Zone models have been widely accepted and applied due to their relatively simplified approach to the modeling problem, especially when compared to the overwhelming computational requirements of field models. A computer code to simulate fire in a vented compartment has been developed using two-zone model. The developed code solves the governing equations of mass, momentum, and energy within an enclosure for two zones (control volumes). Results of the developed code have been validated against those of internationally accepted approach. The validation has been carried out against a well defined room fire and parameters like interface height, upper layer temperature and mass-flow of hot gases through vent with time etc. have been compared and found to be in good agreement. (author)