Abstract
In this study, advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)-based numerical simulations have been performed in order to analyse fire propagation in a standard railway compartment. A Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) has been employed to mimic real world scenarios associated with fire propagation within railway carriages in order to develop safety guidelines for railway passengers. Comprehensive parametric investigations on the effects of ignition location, intensity and cabin upholstery have been carried out. It has been observed that a fire occurring near the exits of the carriage results in a lower smoke layer height, due to the local carriage geometry, than an identical fire igniting at the center of the carriage. This in turn causes the smoke density along the aisleway to vary by around 30%. Reducing the ignition energy by half has been found to restrict combustion, thus reducing smoke density and carbon exhaust gases, reducing the average temperature from 170 °C to 110 °C. Changing the material lining of the seating has been found to cause the most significant change in output parameters, despite its relative insignificance in bulk mass. A polyester sample produces a peak carbon monoxide concentration of 7500 ppm, which is 27× greater compared with nylon. This difference has been found to be due to the fire spread and propagation between fuels, signifying the polyester’s unsuitability for use in railway carriages.
Highlights
Railway usage within the UK has steadily increased within the last five years, transporting on average around 440 million passengers in each yearly quarter [1]
As smoke density forms the basis of the present study, it was considered as the primary parameter for mesh independence testing
The average smoke density reading across the length of the railway carriage with respect to time from ignition is shown in Figure 3, density reading across the length of the railway carriage with respect to time from ignition is shown for the different mesh sizes considered
Summary
Railway usage within the UK has steadily increased within the last five years, transporting on average around 440 million passengers in each yearly quarter [1]. Railway operators seek continuous improvement in both passenger comfort and safety, but need palatable profit margins to sustain their business. Current technology allows electric locomotives to run at a greater efficiency than diesel counterparts [2], and the electrification of the railway grid is commonplace across many EU member nations. 80% of current passenger kilometers are on electrified lines within the European region. Statistics show that railway travel produces 64% less CO2 per passenger kilometer compared to automobiles [3,4]. The environmental and economic impacts of railway travel will further promote rail transport usage, highlighting the significance of understanding all aspects relevant to passenger safety
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