Application of FDS to Predicting Fire Spread in a Horizontal Cable Tray

Abstract

With regard to cable tray fires, comparing the prediction results obtained through fire simulations with the measurement results from fire experiments conducted under real-life conditions is essential to ensure the predictive reliability of the model. In determining the validity of the calculation process and procedure performed in a specific fire experiment, the result may vary depending on the user’s capability. This is because of the high user dependence due to the characteristics of the fire model. In this study, we examined whether the actual spread of fire could be similarly predicted when the physical quantities of cable tray fires suggested by previous studies were applied. We also applied a fire modeling method considering the arrangement of cables to predict appropriate fire spread in a nuclear power plant and then performed a comparative analysis of the results and the experimental results. The prediction results, in terms of the fire spread time, varied depending on the arrangement type (whether loosely and tightly arranged) of cables. Finally, we devised a process of accurately predicting the heat release rate (HRR) curve as compared to the experimental results by using a sensitivity analysis of the input parameters (density, specific heat, and thermal conductivity) corresponding to the physical properties considered in the fire model.