A one-dimensional porous media model has been developed to investigate water based fire suppression. The model is for heat and mass transfer in porous materials subjected to external water sprays and radiant heating. In the model, heat transfer inside the material occurs by conduction, convection, and phase change. Mass transfer occurs by gas phase diffusion and convection in the liquid and gas phases. Convective mass fluxes are driven by pressure gradients according to Darcy’s Law. Boundary conditions that are appropriate for a range of cases are presented. The model was used, along with experiments, to investigate two scenarios relevant to water based suppression: spray wetting and radiant heating. Ceramic fiberboard samples were used as a test material. For the wetting tests, the model is shown to be able to reasonably predict the rate of water absorption into the samples. Radiant heating tests were conducted in the cone calorimeter with pre-wetted samples. For the heating tests, the model is shown to reasonably predict the drying behavior that would directly precede an ignition event.

In a society increasingly more influenced by technology and electricity, electrical and computer cables will play a more vital role in humans’ everyday life. With an increasing number of cables being introduced into society, the risk of fires caused by or involving cables will increase and become a more common danger to property and human lives. The fire properties of cables are tested according to Standard EN 50399 where vertically mounted cables are exposed to a burner for 20 minutes. The present work consists of running simulations imitating the conditions of Standard EN 50399 for testing cables using a Computational Fluid Dynamics program called Fire Dynamic Simulator (FDS). The general idea was to test the material in small-scale and running simulations to verify how well simulated values corresponded to values from actual testing, providing a potential less costly method of predicting the correct Euroclass in the development phase of new cables. During a visit at RISE in Borås, material for testing and a script previously used for testing a module of EN 50399 in FDS were obtained from previous work. The FDS script was later altered by adjusting the meshes inside the model in an effort to reduce simulation time. This was done by prioritizing smaller grid cells in high activity areas and using large grid cells in low activity areas. To verify the function of the model on the current version 7.5.0 of the FDS software, simulations were run empty without modelling the cables. To validate the FDS-model, temperatures were measured at four heights using a resemble of plate thermometers and the results were compared to older temperature measurements from an actual experiment using plate thermometers in the apparatus used at RISE when testing in the EN 50399 apparatus. To obtain the material data necessary for FDS, the material used as cable sheeting (surrounding the conductive metal core) molded into thin square plates were tested using a cone calorimeter at Luleå University of Technology. Two tests were conducted at irradiance levels of 50 and 25 kW/m2 where heat release rate was measured. Thenceforth followed 14 repeated tests at varying irradiance levels with the sole purpose of measuring time to ignition. In total 16 experiments were conducted, of which ten resulted in ignition, four of which did not ignite after exposure for 20 minutes and two which were interrupted due to swelling of the sample. After testing in the cone calorimeter, a critical irradiance level and ignition temperature of the material were verified using a theory presented by Janssens (1991). Two ramps – a controlled way of determining the materials heat release over time in FDS – were created based on the two tests at different irradiance levels. Using these new parameters simulations recreating the scenario for testing according to EN 50399 were run using FDS. Three simulations were run, testing different ramps and different implementations of the cables. The results proved it difficult to achieve the same heat release rate for cables simulated using FDS as heat released rate measured at experiments. With the simulations results at hand, in combination with uncertainties regarding material data it became clear the material had proven more difficult then anticipated. A possible reason for the big gap in heat release rate between simulations and experimental values could be considered to be the high ignition temperature given as material input for the cable in FDS.

An experimental study was conducted to determine the effect of complex geometries on the burning rate of materials made using additive manufacturing. Controlling heat release rate has applicability in limiting fire hazards as well as for designing fuels for optimal burning rate. The burning rate of a structure is a function of the material properties as well as the airflow through it, which is dictated by the geometry. This burning rate is generally proportional to the porosity for objects in which the flow is limited by the path constriction. The relations between porosity and burning rate are well studied for wood cribs, which are layers of wood sticks. Crib and other objects with various geometric features were constructed of ABS plastic and coal powder using additive manufacturing processes. A cone calorimeter using oxygen calorimetry was used to measure the heat release rate of the crib specimens. Within the flow limited burning regime, the burning rate of an object is proportional to the porosity factor. Porosity factors calculated from a 1-D theoretical burn rate model as well as from two empirical models were found to correlate the heat release rate results for the crib samples. The heat release rate results of the complex geometries generally correlated to the same porosity factor; however, the model was modified to account for differences between regularly shaped cribs and objects with different sized flow areas. Using the empirical models provides good correlation for the crib burning data and gives a clearer delineation between the flow-limited and surface area controlled regimes. / Master of Science

It is critical for the construction industry to ensure that new building designs and materials, including wall and floor assemblies, provide an acceptable level of fire safety. A key fire safety requirement that is specified in building codes is the minimum fire resistance rating. A manufacturer of building materials (e.g., insulation or drywall) is currently required to perform full-scale fire furnace tests in order to determine the fire resistance ratings of assemblies that use their products. Due to the cost of these tests, and the limited number of test facilities, it can be difficult to properly assess the impact of changes to individual components on the overall fire performance of an assembly during the design process. It would be advantageous to be able to use small-scale fire tests for this purpose, as these tests are relatively inexpensive to perform. One challenge in using results of small-scale fire tests to predict full-scale fire performance is the difficulty in truly representing a larger product or assembly using a small-scale test specimen. Another challenge is the lack of established methods of scaling fire test results. Cone calorimeter tests were used to measure heat transfer through small-scale specimens that are representative of generic wall assemblies for which fire resistance ratings are given in the National Building Code of Canada. Test specimens had a surface area of 111.1 mm (4.375 in.) by 111.1 mm (4.375 in.), and consisted of single or double layers of gypsum board, stone wool insulation and spruce-pine-fir (SPR) studs. As the specimens were designed to represent a one-quarter scale model of a common wall design, with studs spaced at a centre-to-centre distance of 406.4 mm (16 in.), the wood studs were made by cutting nominal 2x4 studs (38 mm by 89 mm) into 9.25 mm by 89 mm (0.375 in. by 3.5 in.) pieces. The scaled studs were then spaced at a centre-to-centre distance of 101.6 mm (4 in.). Three types of gypsum board were tested: 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) regular and lightweight gypsum board, and 15.9 mm (0.625 in.) type X gypsum board. Temperature measurements were made at various points within the specimens during 70 min exposures to an incident heat flux of 35, 50 and 75 kW/m2 using 24 AWG Type K thermocouples and an infrared thermometer. Temperature measurements made during cone calorimeter tests were compared with temperature measurements made during fire resistance tests of the same generic assemblies and the result show a very good agreement for the first 25 min of testing at the unexposed side. A one-dimensional conduction heat transfer model was developed using the finite difference method in order to predict temperatures within the small-scale wall assemblies during the cone calorimeter tests. Constant and temperature-dependent thermal properties were used in the model, in order to study the effects of changes to materials and thermal properties on fire performance. A comparison of predicted and measured temperatures during the cone calorimeter tests of the generic wall assemblies is presented in this thesis. The model had varying degrees of success in predicting temperature profiles obtained in the cone calorimeter tests. Predicted and measured times for temperatures to reach 100C and 250C on the unexposed side of the gypsum board layer closest to the cone heater were generally within 10%. There was less agreement between predicted and measured times to reach 600C at this location, and the temperature increase on the unexposed side of the test specimen. The model did not do a good job in predicting temperatures in the insulated double layer walls. Sensitivity studies show that the thermal conductivity of the gypsum board has the most significant impact on the predicted temperature.

Flexible polyurethane foam (PUF) is a very versatile material ever created. The material is used for various applications and consumer end-use products such as upholstered furniture and mattresses. The increased use of these polymeric materials causes fire safety concerns. This has led to the development of various regulations and flammability test standards aimed at addressing the hazards associated with polyurethane foam fires. Several fire protection engineering correlations and thermal models have also been developed for the simulation of fire growth behaviour of polyurethane foams. Thus, the overall objective of this research project is to investigate the laboratory test behaviour of this material and then use finer modeling techniques to predict the heat release rate of the specimens, based on information obtained from cone calorimeter tests.<p> Full-scale fire tests of 10 cm thick polyurethane foams of different sizes were conducted using center and edge-ignition locations. Flame spread and heat release rates were compared. For specimens of the same size, center-ignition tests produced flame areas and peak heat release rates which were respectively 10 and 20% larger compared to edge-ignition tests. Average flame spread rates for horizontal and vertical spread were determined, and results showed excellent agreement with literature. Cone calorimeter tests of the specimens were performed using steel edge frame and open durarock board. Results indicate that different test arrangements and heat sources have significant effects on the fire behaviour of the specimens.<p> Predictions using the integral convolution model and other fire protection engineering correlations were compared with the full-scale tests results. Results show that the model was more efficient in predicting the heat release rates for edge-ignition tests than the center-ignition tests. The model also was more successful in predicting the heat release rates during the early part of the growth phase than during the later stages of the fire. The predicted and measured peak heat release rates and total heat release were within 10-15% of one another. Flame spread and t-squared fire models also gave satisfactory predictions of the full-scale fire behaviour of the specimens.

Flexible polyurethane foam (PUF) is a very versatile material ever created. The material is used for various applications and consumer end-use products such as upholstered furniture and mattresses. The increased use of these polymeric materials causes fire safety concerns. This has led to the development of various regulations and flammability test standards aimed at addressing the hazards associated with polyurethane foam fires. Several fire protection engineering correlations and thermal models have also been developed for the simulation of fire growth behaviour of polyurethane foams. Thus, the overall objective of this research project is to investigate the laboratory test behaviour of this material and then use finer modeling techniques to predict the heat release rate of the specimens, based on information obtained from cone calorimeter tests.<p> Full-scale fire tests of 10 cm thick polyurethane foams of different sizes were conducted using center and edge-ignition locations. Flame spread and heat release rates were compared. For specimens of the same size, center-ignition tests produced flame areas and peak heat release rates which were respectively 10 and 20% larger compared to edge-ignition tests. Average flame spread rates for horizontal and vertical spread were determined, and results showed excellent agreement with literature. Cone calorimeter tests of the specimens were performed using steel edge frame and open durarock board. Results indicate that different test arrangements and heat sources have significant effects on the fire behaviour of the specimens.<p> Predictions using the integral convolution model and other fire protection engineering correlations were compared with the full-scale tests results. Results show that the model was more efficient in predicting the heat release rates for edge-ignition tests than the center-ignition tests. The model also was more successful in predicting the heat release rates during the early part of the growth phase than during the later stages of the fire. The predicted and measured peak heat release rates and total heat release were within 10-15% of one another. Flame spread and t-squared fire models also gave satisfactory predictions of the full-scale fire behaviour of the specimens.

In the first part of this dissertation, glass fiber reinforced/unreinforced polyamide 6 (PA6) and polyamide 66 (PA66) were compounded with three different flame retardants, which were melamine cyanurate, red phosphorus and brominated epoxy with antimony trioxide, by using an industrial scale twin screw extruder. Then, to investigate flame retardancy of these specimens, UL-94, Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) and Mass Loss Cone Calorimeter (MLC) tests were carried out. In addition to flammability tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and tensile testing were performed. Results of the tensile tests were evaluated by relating them with fiber length distributions and fracture surface morphologies under scanning electron microscope (SEM). Incorporation of melamine cyanurate (MCA) to PA6 led to some increase in LOI value and minor reductions in Peak Heat Release Rate (PHRR) value. However, it failed to improve UL-94 rating. Moreover, poor compatibility of MCA with PA6 matrix caused significant reductions in tensile strength. Brominated epoxy in combination with antimony trioxide (Br/Sb) was compounded with both glass fiber reinforced PA6 and PA66. Br/Sb synergism was found to impart excellent flammability reductions in LOI value and UL-94 as V-0 rating. Effectiveness of Br/Sb flame retardant was also proven by the MLC measurements, which showed excessive reductions in PHRR and Total Heat Evolved (THE) values. On the other hand, Br/Sb shifted the degradation temperature 100&deg / C lower and decreased the tensile strength value, due to poor fiber-matrix adhesion and decreased fiber lengths. Red phosphorus (RP), when introduced to glass fiber reinforced PA66 induced V-0 rating in UL-94 together with significant increase in LOI value, and major decrease in PHRR. Degradation temperature was 20&deg / C lower while mechanical properties were kept at acceptable values compared to neat glass fiber reinforced PA66. In the second part of this dissertation, to investigate synergistic flame retardancy of nanoclays / glass fiber reinforced PA6 was compounded by certain nanoclay and an organo-phosphorus flame retardant (OP), which contains aluminum phosphinate, melamine polyphosphate and zinc borate, in a laboratory scale twin screw extruder. Exfoliated clay structure of the nanocomposites was assessed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), while thermal stability and combustion behaviors were evaluated by TGA, LOI, UL-94 and MLC. Replacement of a certain fraction of the flame retardant with nanoclay was found to significantly reduce PHRR and THE values, and delay the ignition. Moreover, remarkable improvements were obtained in LOI values along with maintained UL-94 ratings. Residue characterization by ATR-FTIR and SEM ascribed the enhanced flame retardancy of nanocomposite specimens to the formation of a glassy boron-aluminum phosphate barrier reinforced by clay layers at the nanoscale.

The ignition and subsequent burning of polyurethane foam based mattresses poses a significant danger to life and safety in North American homes. The development of fire models which can predict the full scale fire behavior of these mattresses using bench scale data would assist manufacturers and regulators to manage this danger in a cost effective manner. This thesis builds on previous work by the University of Saskatchewan and University of Waterloo fire research groups and focuses on the evaluation of one such scaling model, which was originally developed during the Combustion Behavior of Upholstered Furniture (CBUF) project. The evaluation of the CBUF model conducted in this thesis isolates the heat release rate (HRR) density sub-model and explores the effects of 1) cone calorimeter incident heat flux setting, 2) specimen thickness and 3) ignition location on the predictive capability of the CBUF model. To provide input for the CBUF model cone and furniture calorimeter tests were conducted. Cone calorimeter tests were conducted on foam specimen thicknesses of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 cm at incident heat flux settings of 25, 35, 50 and 75 kW/m2. Furniture calorimeter tests were conducted on foam specimen thicknesses of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 cm in both edge and center ignition configuration. Flame area spread rates were measured from infrared video of the furniture calorimeter tests using an automated algorithm. It was found that HRR curves predicted by the CBUF model showed good agreement with experimental results. Experimental results from tests of thinner foams were predicted with greater success than results from thicker foams, and results from edge ignition tests were predicted with greater success than results of center ignition tests. The results of this study indicated that specimen thickness and ignition location need to be considered when selecting an appropriate incident heat flux setting for producing input data for the CBUF model.

The ignition of a solid is an inherently complex phenomenon influenced by heat and mass transport mechanisms that are, even to this day, not understood in entirety. In order to use ignition data in meaningful engineering application, significant simplifications have been made to the theory of ignition. The most common way to classify ignition is the use of material specific parameters such as such as ignition temperature (Tig) and the critical heat flux for ignition (CHF). These parameters are determined through standardized testing of solid materials – however, the results of these tests are generally used in applications different from the environments in which these parameters were actually determined. Generally, ignition temperature and critical heat flux are used as material properties and are presented readily in sources such as the SFPE Handbook. However, these parameters are not truly material properties; each are inherently affected by the environment in which they are tested. Ignition parameters are therefore system dependent, tied to the conditions in which the parameters are determined. Previous work has demonstrated that ignition parameters (such as Tig or CHF) for the same material can vary depending on whether the sample is tested in a vertical or horizontal orientation. While the results are clear, the implications this may have on the use of ignition data remains uncertain. This work outlines the fundamental theory of ignition as well as a review of studies related to orientation. The aim of this study it to analyze the influence of sample orientation on ignition parameters. All experimental work in this study was conducted using cast black polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA or commonly referred to as acrylic). This study explores ignition parameters for PMMA in various orientations and develops a methodology through which orientation can be incorporated into existing ignition theory. An additional study was also conducted to explore the statistical significance of current flammability test methodologies. Ultimately, this study outlines the problem of the system dependency of ignition and provides commentary on the use of ignition data in engineering applications.

The ignition of a solid is an inherently complex phenomenon influenced by heat and mass transport mechanisms that are, even to this day, not understood in entirety. In order to use ignition data in meaningful engineering application, significant simplifications have been made to the theory of ignition. The most common way to classify ignition is the use of material specific parameters such as such as ignition temperature (Tig) and the critical heat flux for ignition (CHF). These parameters are determined through standardized testing of solid materials – however, the results of these tests are generally used in applications different from the environments in which these parameters were actually determined. Generally, ignition temperature and critical heat flux are used as material properties and are presented readily in sources such as the SFPE Handbook. However, these parameters are not truly material properties; each are inherently affected by the environment and orientation in which they are tests. Ignition parameters are therefore system dependent, tied to the conditions in which the parameters are determined. Previous work has demonstrated that ignition parameters (such as Tig or CHF) for the same material can vary depending on whether the sample is tested in a vertical or horizontal orientation. While the results are clear, the implications this may have on the use of ignition data remains uncertain. This work outlines the fundamental theory of ignition as well as a review of studies related to orientation. The aim of this study it to analyze the influence of sample orientation on ignition parameters. All experimental work in this study was conducted using cast black polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA or commonly referred to as acrylic). This study explores ignition parameters for PMMA in various orientations and develops a methodology through which orientation can be incorporated into existing ignition theory. An additional study was also conducted to explore the statistical significance of current flammability test methodologies. Ultimately, this study outlines the problem of the system dependency of ignition and provides commentary on the use of ignition data in engineering applications