Skip to main content
Log in

A computer model for estimating the response of sprinkler links to compartment fires with draft curtains and fusible link-actuated ceiling vents

  • Published:
Fire Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A computer program, LAVENT, is now available which computes the heating of fusible links due to the presence of a ceiling jet imbedded in an upper layer. An important new feature in this program is that the two-dimensional structure of the ceiling jet is taken into account such that the location of the link beneath the ceiling plays a role in the response of the link. The links can be used to activate ceiling vents such that the effect of venting the upper layer on the ceiling jet may be studied. Additional applications would include the study of upper layer containment through the use of a combination of draft curtains and ceiling vents. The geometry modeled by the program is that of a large compartment enclosed by a combination of walls and draft curtains.

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

  1. Alpert, R. L., “Calculation of the Response Time of Ceiling-Mounted Fire Detectors,”Fire Technology,8, pp. 181–195 (1972).

    Google Scholar 

  2. Evans, D. D. and Stroup, D. W., “Methods to Calculate the Response Time of Heat and Smoke Detectors Installed Below Large Unobstructed Ceilings,”Fire Technology,22, pp. 54–65 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  3. Hinkley, P. L., “The Effect of Smoke Venting on the Operation of Sprinklers Subsequent to the First,”Fire Safety Journal,14, pp. 221–240 (1989).

    Google Scholar 

  4. Cooper, L. Y., “Estimating the Environment and the Response of Sprinkler Links in Compartment Fires with Draft Curtains and Fusible Link-Actuated Ceiling Vents—Theory,”Fire Safety Journal,16, pp. 137–163 (1990).

    Google Scholar 

  5. Davis, William D. and Cooper, Leonard Y., “Estimating the Environment and the Response of Sprinkler Links in Compartment Fires with Draft Curtains and Fusible-Link-Actuated Ceiling Vents — Part II: User Guide for the Computer Code LAVENT,” NISTIR 89-4122, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD (August 1989).

    Google Scholar 

  6. Heskestad, G., “Engineering Relations for Fire Plumes,”Fire Safety Journal,7, pp. 25–32 (1984).

    Google Scholar 

  7. Emmons, H. W., “The Flow of Gases Through Vents,” Harvard University Home Fire Project Technical Report No. 75 (March 1987).

  8. Cooper, L. Y. and Woodhouse, A. W., “The Buoyant Plume-Driven Adiabatic Ceiling Temperature Revisited,”Journal of Heat Transfer,108, pp. 822–826 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  9. Yousef, W. W., Tarasuk, J. D., and McKeen, W. J., “Free Convection Heat Transfer From Upward-Facing, Isothermal, Horizontal Surfaces,”Journal of Heat Transfer,104, pp. 493–499 (1982).

    Google Scholar 

  10. Ozisik, M. Necati,Heat Conduction, John Wiley and Sons, pp. 501–503 (1980).

  11. Cooper, L. Y., “Ceiling Jet-Driven Wall Flows in Compartment Fires,”Combust. Sci. and Tech.,62, pp. 285–296 (1988).

    Google Scholar 

  12. Heskestad, G. and Smith, H. F., “Investigation of a New Sprinkler Sensitivity Approval Test: The Plunge Test,” Technical Report Serial No. 22485, RC 76-T-SO, Factory Mutual Research Corporation, Norwood, MA (1976).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Davis, W.D., Cooper, L.Y. A computer model for estimating the response of sprinkler links to compartment fires with draft curtains and fusible link-actuated ceiling vents. Fire Technol 27, 113–127 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01470863

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01470863

Key words

Navigation