Assessment of the capabilities of FireFOAM to model large-scale fires in a well-confined and mechanically ventilated multi-compartment structure

This article presents a large eddy simulation study of a pool fire in a well-confined and mechanically ventilated multi-room configuration. The capabilities of FireFOAM are assessed by comparing the numerical results to a well-documented set of experimental data available from Propagation d’un Incendie pour des Scénarios Multi-locaux Elémentaires. The eddy dissipation concept, finite volume discrete ordinate method, and one k-equation model are used for combustion, thermal radiation, and sub-grid scale closure, respectively. The main boundary conditions are imposed based on the experimental profiles. A detailed comparison is made with available experimental data. Good agreement between the large eddy simulation results and experimental values is achieved for temperatures, velocity, CO ₂ volume concentrations, and pressures for most compartments. There are some noticeable underpredictions of temperature in the outlet room. Overall, FireFOAM is shown to have good predictive capabilities for the present confined large-scale fire scenario.