Effect of Parallel Curtain Walls on Upward Flame Spread Characteristics and Mass Loss Rate Over PMMA

Abstract

The effects of parallel curtain walls on the characteristics and mass loss rate of the upward flame spread over polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) have been experimentally studied. The experimental research variables were the sample size and separation distance of the curtain wall. In the experimental setup, a PMMA plate was attached to one of the curtain walls. The results were analyzed to assess the effect of the curtain wall separation distance on the flame height. The special condition of two curtain walls with only a small distance between them was also analyzed. Analysis of experiments with systematically varied distances between the curtain walls has provided insight into factors such as air entrainment and the chimney effect. The results show the flame height evolution trend with the separation distance, and a new correlation to predict the global mass loss rate of the PMMA plate under the influence of parallel curtain walls, which can potentially be used in curtain wall design through optimization of the separation distance given fire safety requirements and practical needs.Graphical Abstract