A Web-based Introduction to Fire Modeling
Experimental Models
Experimental models are models that operate in physical or human space. These models can be as simple as an analogy or as complex as a scale model. Three types of scale models exist: Bench Scale, Intermediate and Full Scale.
Bench Scale modeling involves a smaller piece of what needs to be tested. Bench models save time, energy and money. These models are also a valuable tool because of their versatility. In a testing laboratory, an engineer has burned a small part or parts of the floor under you to determine its burning characteristics. When we test just a small piece of material, such as some carpeting, we can use that information for the same material used in other applications, such as hospitals, dorms, etc. This way we only need to do one test and apply the information to as many applications as necessary.
Types of scale modeling at the university includes cone calorimetry, detector response analysis using a salt water bouyancy tank and a model to predict the initial spray properties of sprinklers.
Intermediate Scale tests like the room/corner test are a step closer to full scale testing. This test is a NFPA standard, NFPA 286: Standard Method of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth. This standard specifies the design of the testing apparatus; a single room with one opening, how to line it with a test specimen and then how to burn it and take measurements. This test is useful for determining the characteristics of the test specimen.
Full Scale models are very rarely run (comparatively to all the other types of tests). Full-scale tests are very expensive (imagine the cost of building a new house just to burn it down) and very bad for the environment. Although in a full-scale test you would have little doubt about how a real fire might proceed, you cannot use that information with other types of configurations. (i.e., if you burn down a single story house, you cannot apply most of your information to a two-story house because the fire would be different.)
