114 - Ventilation and fire flow paths with Craig Weinschenk
08/15/23 • 56 min
Most fire engineers would be aware of how openings like doors and windows, the stack effect, and even wind can significantly alter fire outcomes. But there is a considerable difference between knowing that it does, and knowing how much that changes fire growth, size and the internal building environment. I've invited FSRIs dr Craig Weinschenk to discuss his years of full-scale research on fire flows.
In this episode, we discuss different conditions that occur once the flow is established at windows, doors or through HVAC systems. How it affects the fire's growth and spread, and what firefighters need to consider when taking decisions on venting a burning building. We underscore the importance of compartmentalization, discussing how a simple action like leaving a door open can drastically impact fire behaviour and smoke movement.
Although it is a side topic in the episode, perhaps a very interesting discussion is on the battery-initiated fires, discussing the various failure modes that can trigger an overpressure event or a jet flame. We also explore what batteries change in the fire environment when they are victims and participants of the fire (rather than the source). I know many will be interested in this, here is also a good read by Craig on the subject.
As with every episode with FSRI, there is A TON of resources to go through. Our recommendations:
- Public live stream of a fire experiment similar to the one I was invited to watch - this is the same series of experiments in the exact same building
- Search and rescue training course
- FSRI Materials Database
- Github - materials
- Github - public repositories
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The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.
Most fire engineers would be aware of how openings like doors and windows, the stack effect, and even wind can significantly alter fire outcomes. But there is a considerable difference between knowing that it does, and knowing how much that changes fire growth, size and the internal building environment. I've invited FSRIs dr Craig Weinschenk to discuss his years of full-scale research on fire flows.
In this episode, we discuss different conditions that occur once the flow is established at windows, doors or through HVAC systems. How it affects the fire's growth and spread, and what firefighters need to consider when taking decisions on venting a burning building. We underscore the importance of compartmentalization, discussing how a simple action like leaving a door open can drastically impact fire behaviour and smoke movement.
Although it is a side topic in the episode, perhaps a very interesting discussion is on the battery-initiated fires, discussing the various failure modes that can trigger an overpressure event or a jet flame. We also explore what batteries change in the fire environment when they are victims and participants of the fire (rather than the source). I know many will be interested in this, here is also a good read by Craig on the subject.
As with every episode with FSRI, there is A TON of resources to go through. Our recommendations:
- Public live stream of a fire experiment similar to the one I was invited to watch - this is the same series of experiments in the exact same building
- Search and rescue training course
- FSRI Materials Database
- Github - materials
- Github - public repositories
----
The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.
Previous Episode
113 - Exploring Maritime Fire Safety with Bogdan Racięga
My knowledge about fire safety at sea was pretty limited, at best. I was planning this episode for a long time, and then the disastrous fire happened at a car carrier near the Netherlands coast. In light of these events, I've reached out to Bogdan Racięga of the Baltic Fire Laboratory, a Polish maritime fire safety expert to discuss this particular incident and to delve into the intricate aspects of fire safety regulations on marine vessels.
Bogdan explains and highlights the critical role of the International Maritime Organization in setting and enforcing fire safety standards, and the role of Class Societies in classifying and certifying these solutions for ships.
Ever wondered about the unique challenges of protecting specific areas on ships? In the episode, we discuss protection strategies for machinery, cargo spaces, cabin balconies and galley areas. We unpack those challenges and discuss the differences between separation and extinguishing systems, including the necessity for perfect cooperation between passive and active solutions. Discussing some tragic fires we consider what are the consequences of a delayed response when activating firefighting systems. And how does fire testing play into all this? Bogdan shares his expertise on these subjects, delving into the potential misuse of fire suppression systems and the importance of collaboration between manufacturers.
I've had a blast recording this and I hope you will also enjoy learning about the maritime fire safety!
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The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.
Next Episode
115 - Update on the (near) future of fire engineers toolbox with Bryan Klein
in Episode 39 I had the pleasure to interview Bryan Klein from Thunderhead Engineering on some views and predictions for the near future of fire modelling. Even though it was only 1,5 year ago, some major things have already happened (release of Ventus - CONTAM GUI by Thunderhead) or snuck on us unseen as the large language model revolution.
In this episode we discuss mostly the things that have happened in recent months, and how they can change the potential for fire engineering. The list of talking points includes:
- the release of CONTAM GUI - Ventus and a brief summary of CONTAM origin, capabilities and use in fire engineering
- new updates to FDS with external sources for parameters
- GPT revolution and how API's can revolutionize work of fire engineers - code compliance, design exploration, CFD management
- GPU revolution and a new era of GPU based solvers for fluid mechanics (and FDS development in this direction)
- cloud computing update and making it a user-friendly experience
If anything on the list sounds interesting to you, I bet the whole episode will be fun for you!
This episode is a very nerdy catch-up between two fire engineers, but I also want you to be a part of this conversation. Let me know what you think are the things that will happen in next few years that will change the way how we engineer?
If you want to check out the trial of Ventus and see for yourself if CONTAM is something useful for your fire engineering routine, you can find the trial here: https://www.thunderheadeng.com/ventus
Fire Science Show is sponsored by OFR Consultants.
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The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.
Fire Science Show - 114 - Ventilation and fire flow paths with Craig Weinschenk
Transcript
Hello everybody , welcome to the Fire Science Show . Summer is rolling out slowly and warmly , but the Fire Science Show is not slowing down . Last week I took you on a trip to Fire Safety Marine Vessels . Today we're back on the land and we're touching an important subject of how changes in fire environment change the fire itself . And all that based on an enormous collection of
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