Skip to main content
Log in

A three-layer macro-scale model for simulating the combustion of PPUF in CFD

  • Research Article
  • Indoor/Outdoor Airflow and Air Quality
  • Published:
Building Simulation Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Polyether polyurethane foam (PPUF) has been analyzed at various scales to determine its thermal decomposition characteristics. Analysis of its decomposition behavior was gathered through experiments of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and calorimetry. Material properties were extracted from micro-scale experiments. Observations of the macro-scale burning reveal the complexity of its behavior. Notable difficulties exist within the current CFD framework to accurately replicate such behavior. However the simplified description of traits of melting, change of density and liquid flows can allow for relatively accurate fire modeling. The purpose of this paper is to improve the ability of the polyurethane fire model in numerical simulations.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Butler KM (2009). A model of melting and dripping thermoplastic objects in fire. In: Proceedings of 11th International Conference on Fire and Materials, San Francisco, USA, pp. 26–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bwalya AC, Lougheed GD, Kashef A, Saber HH (2008). Survey results of combustible contents and floor areas in multifamily dwellings.. Fire Technology, 47: 1121–1140.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bwalya AC, Carpenter D, Kanabus-Kaminska J, Lougheed G, Su J, Taber B, Thomas J (2006). Development of a Fuel Package for Use in the Fire Performance of Houses Project. RR-252, National Research Council Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eurofoam (n.d.). Polyurethane foam types. Available at http://www.eurofoam.hu/habtipusok-en/technical-purpose-foams/1/. Accessed 5 Jan 2015.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ezinwa JU (2009). Modeling full-scale fire test behavoir of polyurethane foams using cone calorimeter data. Master Thesis, University of Saskatchewan, Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krämera R, Zammarano M, Linterisb G, Gedde T (2010). Heat release and structural collapse of flexible polyurethane foam.. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 95: 1115–1122.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lohman RJ (2005). Polyurethanes in Home Construction. The ChemQuest Group, Inc. Available at https://greenbuildingsolutions.org/Main-Menu/Home/Modern-Materials-Archive/New-Materials-Application/Polyurethane-in-Home-Construction.html. Accessed 10 Jan 2015.

    Google Scholar 

  • McGratten K, Klein B, Hostikka S, Floyd J (2015). Fire Dynamics Simulator (Version 5) User’s Guide. NIST Special Publication 1019-5. Gaithersburg, MD, USA: National Institute of Standards and Technology.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meunders A, Baker G, Arnold L, Schroeder B, Spearpoint M, Pau DSW (2014). Parameter optimization and sensitivity analysis for fire spread modelling with FDS. In: Proceedings of SFPE 10th International Conference on Performance-Based Codes and Fire Safety Design, Gold Coast, Austrailia.

    Google Scholar 

  • NFPA (2013). Upholstered Furniture Flammability. Quincy, MA, USA: National Fire Protection Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pau DSW (2013). A comparative study on combustion behaviours of polyurethane foams with numerical simulations using pyrolysis models. PhD Thesis, University of Canterbury, New Zealand.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pau DSW, Fleischmann CM, Spearpoint MJ, Li KY (2013). Determination of kinetic properties of polyurethane foam decomposition for pyrolysis modeling.. Journal of Fire Sciences, 31: 356–384.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pau DSW, Fleischmann CM, Spearpoint MJ, Li KY (2014a). Sensitivity of heat of reaction for polyurethane foams. In: Proceedings of 11th International Symposium on Fire Safety Science, Christchurch, New Zealand, pp. 179–192.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pau DSW, Fleischmann CM, Spearpoint MJ, Li KY (2014b). Thermophysical properties of polyurethane foam and their melts. Fire and Materials, 38: 433–450.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prassad K, Kramer R, Marsh N, Nyden M, Ohlemiller T, Zammarno M (2009). Numerical Simulation of Fire Spread on Polyurethane Foam Slabs. Gaithersburg, MD, USA: National Institute of Standards and Technology.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rein G, Lautenberger C, Fernandez-Pello AC, Torero-Cullen J, Urban DL (2006). Application of genetic algorithms and thermogravimetry to determine the kinetics of polyurethane foam in smoldering combustion.. Combustion and Flame, 146: 95–108.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Robson LD (2014). Scalability of Cone Calorimter Test results for the prediction of full scale fire behavior of polyurethane foam. Master Thesis, University of Saskatchewan, Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • ISO (2007). Building Materials and Products—Hygrothermal Properties—Tabulated Design Values and Procedures for Determining Declared and Design Thermal Values. Geneva: International Organization for Standardization.

    Google Scholar 

  • Valencia LB (2009). Experimental and numerical investigation of the thermal decomposition of materials at three scales: Application to polyether polyurethane foam used in upholstered furniture. PhD Thesis, Université de Poitiers, France.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Zaiyi Liao.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

McKeen, P., Liao, Z. A three-layer macro-scale model for simulating the combustion of PPUF in CFD. Build. Simul. 9, 583–596 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12273-016-0287-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12273-016-0287-2

Keywords

Navigation