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Computational study of backdraft dynamics and the effects of initial conditions in a compartment

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Abstract

Backdraft dynamics and effects of initial fuel mass fraction on backdraft behavior were studied computationally using fire dynamics simulator with a Model-free simulation (MFS). The effects of one- and three-step reaction mechanisms on backdraft development and temporal pressure variation were examined. Thermal radiation effects were studied by considering the gray-gas-radiation (GRAY) and adiabatic model (ADIA). The gravity current and backdraft development were reasonably reproduced by the MFS. The temporal pressure rise inside the compartment showed a similar trend to previous experiments. ADIA did not predict the local ignition near the bottom wall, while GRAY did predict. The critical fuel mass fraction (Yf) for backdraft occurrence was determined from the two-peak characteristic in the pressure, and the predicted Yf was reasonable, compared with the experiments. Complex mixed combustion modes were found locally during backdraft development. MFS with finite chemistry was found to be a potentially good computational tool for backdraft dynamics.

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Correspondence to Chang Bo Oh.

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Recommended by Associate Editor Jeong Park

Ji-Woong Park received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Safety Engineering from Pukyong National University, Korea, in 2012, 2014, respectively. Now he is a Ph.D. student of Mechanical Engineering at Univ. of Connecticut. His research interests include computational flame diagnostics, chemical kinetics, and fire dynamics.

Chang Bo Oh received his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Inha University, Korea, in 2003. Now he is an Associate Professor of Safety Engineering Department at Pukyong National University. His research interests include computations of safety-related problems, such as toxic chemical spread, combustion, fire and explosion.

Yong Shik Han received his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Korea, in 2007. Now he is a Principal Researcher of Department of Energy Plant Safety Technology at Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials. His research interests include water mist system fire safety and failure analysis in energy plant.

Kyu Hyung Do is a Senior Researcher in the Environment and Energy Systems Research Division at Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials. He received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) in 2007. His research interests include electronics cooling devices such as miniature/micro heat pipes and heat sinks and convective heat transfer in a recuperator to enhance the thermal efficiency of a micro gas turbine.

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Park, JW., Oh, C.B., Han, Y.S. et al. Computational study of backdraft dynamics and the effects of initial conditions in a compartment. J Mech Sci Technol 31, 985–993 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-017-0151-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-017-0151-z

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