Abstract
Comprehensive pyrolysis models that are integral to computational fire codes have improved significantly over the past decade as the demand for improved predictive capabilities has increased. High fidelity pyrolysis models may improve the design of engineered materials for better fire response, the design of the built environment, and may be used in forensic investigations of fire events. A major limitation to widespread use of comprehensive pyrolysis models is the large number of parameters required to fully define a material and the lack of effective methodologies for measurement of these parameters, especially for complex materials. The work presented here details a methodology used to characterize the pyrolysis of a low-pile carpet tile, an engineered composite material that is common in commercial and institutional occupancies. The studied material includes three distinct layers of varying composition and physical structure. The methodology utilized a comprehensive pyrolysis model (ThermaKin) to conduct inverse analyses on data collected through several experimental techniques. Each layer of the composite was individually parameterized to identify its contribution to the overall response of the composite. The set of properties measured to define the carpet composite were validated against mass loss rate curves collected at conditions outside the range of calibration conditions to demonstrate the predictive capabilities of the model. The mean error between the predicted curve and the mean experimental mass loss rate curve was calculated as approximately 20% on average for heat fluxes ranging from 30 to 70 kW·m−2, which is within the mean experimental uncertainty.
Highlights
Technological advances in polymer chemistry and composite structure throughout the twentieth century have led to a prevalence of engineered materials, which, in many industries, have completely displaced traditional materials
Engineered materials, including synthetic polymers and composites, can be designed to withstand the stresses associated with physical loadings in the built environment as well as or better than traditional materials
The developments to the existing methodology presented here include a focus on characterizing each layer of the composite individually, modeling Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA) data according to an approximation of the observed heating rate profiles, and the use of Microscale Combustion Calorimetry (MCC) tests to incorporate heat release rate predictions into the capabilities of the pyrolysis models
Summary
Technological advances in polymer chemistry and composite structure throughout the twentieth century have led to a prevalence of engineered materials, which, in many industries, have completely displaced traditional materials. Engineered materials, including synthetic polymers and composites, can be designed to withstand the stresses associated with physical loadings in the built environment as well as or better than traditional materials. Disadvantages of engineered materials over traditional materials include the inherent flammability of most advanced materials and a lack of knowledge concerning their flammability characteristics. Determining the flammability characteristics of composites is difficult because the parameters that define the energetic and physical interactions between the components and layers are generally not well understood. There are several standard test methods that are commonly used to characterize the flammability of materials. Quasi-one-dimensional radiant heating tests, including the Cone Calorimeter [1] and the
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
