Journal Article

Experimental study of sidewall flame and temperature characteristics in corridor-like enclosures with lateral openings

Miao, Wenxuan, Peng, Min, Zhu, Yifan, Wu, Zhenkun, Qing, Dongzi, Pan, Xiangxiao, Zhu, Guopeng, Li, Ding, Zhu, Guoqing

2025

Overview

The characterization of flame and temperature characteristics is a crucial foundation in the study of fire dynamics within enclosures, including detectors, sprinklers, and smoke control. Despite its importance, there is a notable lack of analytical studies, with the only established equation addressing the temperature profile generated by a centerline fire. No research has been conducted on sidewall fires, even though they are more common in corridor-like enclosures with lateral openings. In this study, experimental analysis and modeling of sidewall fire characteristics in a corridor-like enclosure with lateral openings were conducted. The results show that flame length is constrained by the sidewall, and the flame length produced by a centerline fire is significantly shorter than that of a sidewall fire. The maximum ceiling excess temperature is higher in sidewall fires compared to centerline fires. New models for flame length and maximum temperature rise are proposed. It was also verified that the dimensionless temperature attenuation is greater in enclosures with lateral openings than in those with both ends open. In a corridor-like enclosure with lateral openings, the air entrainment into the plume from a sidewall fire is only 33% of that from a centerline fire. Additionally, the smoke layer thickness under various fire scenarios is analyzed. Finally, a normalized vertical temperature rise is introduced to propose the new correlations for the dimensionless vertical height at different distances from the fire source. These contributions significantly enhance the understanding of fire behavior in similar structures, providing valuable insights for improving fire protection strategies.

• Publisher: Springer International Publishing,Springer,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Air entrainment / Analytical Chemistry / Chemistry / Chemistry and Materials Science / Enclosures / Experiments / Fire prevention / Fire protection / Heat / Inorganic Chemistry / Measurement Science and Instrumentation / Physical Chemistry / Plumes (Fluid dynamics) / Polymer Sciences / Propane / Smoke / Smoke abatement / Sprinklers / Temperature / Temperature profiles / Thickness