Polymer composites in fire

This paper reviews the state of the art with regard to the numerical modelling of the performance of polymer composite structural members and components at elevated temperature. The methods available for thermal modelling, i.e. the prediction of temperature distributions, within polymer composites acting alone and also when they act in conjunction with fire protection materials are considered first. Consideration is given to the basic differential equations and their numerical solution and also to the more difficult problem of the thermal and transport properties of the materials. The review then moves to thermo-mechanical modelling and considers the mechanical properties of polymer composites at elevated temperature. Numerical and test results are compared for the performance of columns and wall panel assemblies.