Towards the Use of Novel Materials in Shipbuilding: Assessing Thermal Performances of Fire-Doors by Self-Consistent Numerical Modelling

Giada Kyaw Oo D’Amore,Alberto Marinò,Francesco Mauro,Marco Caniato,Jan Kašpar

doi:10.3390/app10175736

Abstract

Nowadays, fire-doors optimization is approached by using consolidated design guidelines and traditional materials, such as rock wool. Then, selected solution is directly tested in a mandatory fire-test. Unfortunately, few pieces of information could be retrieved either if the test succeeds or fails, which makes both improvements in the design and use of innovative materials difficult. Thus, in this work, a self-consistent finite element method (FEM) analysis is developed and assessed against experimental fire-test results, highlighting the critical parameters affecting the numerical simulations. Using this tool, a new fiberglass-containing foam, with improved acoustic and mechanical properties, as compared to the rock-wool, is studied as a potential insulating material for on-board fire-doors. The assessment of the performance of the new material demonstrates that, contrary to common believe, the effective thermal insulation capacity is not necessarily the critical factor in determining the fire-resistance of a fire-door. Using the validated FEM analysis, it has been proven that the reduction of the thermal bridges originated at the door edges allows, firstly, for the attainment of a fire-door 37% thinner and 61% lighter with respect to a traditional one, and, secondly, the use of new material as insulator in fire-doors that, even if less thermally capable, could improve other properties of the door, as an example its soundproofing.

Highlights

The increasing demand for modern cruise ships makes the safety of passengers a crucial design issue
The appropriate design of fire doors is of utmost importance
The doors must be preventively subjected to the mandatory fire-test reported in the FTP Code (International Code for the application of Fire Test Procedure) [1], by exposing them to a prescribed time–temperature heating relation, depending on the fire door class

Summary

Introduction

The increasing demand for modern cruise ships makes the safety of passengers a crucial design issue. The appropriate design of fire doors is of utmost importance To assess their efficiency, the doors must be preventively subjected to the mandatory fire-test reported in the FTP Code (International Code for the application of Fire Test Procedure) [1], by exposing them to a prescribed time–temperature heating relation, depending on the fire door class. The doors must be preventively subjected to the mandatory fire-test reported in the FTP Code (International Code for the application of Fire Test Procedure) [1], by exposing them to a prescribed time–temperature heating relation, depending on the fire door class Both mechanical and thermal limits are imposed to assess the door performances in order to guarantee specific temperatures on the unexposed side of the door and to stop the smock and flame propagation [1]. The main critical parameters that affect the thermos-resistance of a fire-door are the thermal bridges originated at the

Methods

Results

Conclusion