On the influence of circulation on fire whirl height

This work presents a numerical study of laboratory fire whirls. The Reynolds Stress Transport turbulence model RST is used together with Eddy Break-Up combustion and radiation models. The unsteady 3D fire whirl prediction assume the same swirl generator used in the laboratory consisting on enclosure...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Fire safety journal 2019-06, Vol.106, p.146-154
Main Authors: Parente, R.M., Pereira, J.M.C., Pereira, J.C.F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aerodynamics
Air flow
CFD
Circulation
Cylinders
Dependence
Experimental data
Fire whirls
Flame height
Heat transfer
Laboratories
Radiation
Reynolds stress
RST
Scaling
Scaling analysis
Scaling laws
Three dimensional models
Turbulence
Turbulence models
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Summary:This work presents a numerical study of laboratory fire whirls. The Reynolds Stress Transport turbulence model RST is used together with Eddy Break-Up combustion and radiation models. The unsteady 3D fire whirl prediction assume the same swirl generator used in the laboratory consisting on enclosure walls to constrict airflow to enter tangentially in the facility. A low momentum fuel jet is located at the bottom centre of two halves of an offset hollow cylinder. A detailed comparison between available experimental data and numerical predictions, ranging from 2 to 300 kW is presented. The results are in good agreement with the available experimental data. The flame height dependence on circulation was deduced using scaling laws and validated with experimental data. For each heat release considered, a critical circulation was found that results in a maximum flame height. Turbulence fields predictions are discussed in light of the role of turbulent suppression and Richardson parameters. •3D experimental fire whirls predictions using the Reynolds Stress Transport model.•Good agreement between predictions and experimental data.•Turbulent kinetic energy is evaluated for fire whirls and analogous diffusion flames.•A correlation for the flame height dependence with circulation is deduced.
ISSN:0379-7112
1873-7226
DOI:10.1016/j.firesaf.2019.03.010