Numerical simulation of fire induced gas flow in a narrow ceiling vented compartment

To explore the mechanism and detailed gas flow in the ceiling vented compartment due to the unique ceiling vented ventilation condition, a numerical study on fire induced gas flow in a narrow compartment is carried out. Using the Fire Dynamic Simulator (FDS) program, the detailed fire induced gas flow in the ceiling vented compartment is studied. The simulation has been validated with real fire experiments in the exact same set-up, and the simulation results was proved to be in accordance with the experiments. It was found that the ceiling vent flow was strongly controlled by the fire plume. Regardless the boundary resistance, a distinct gas flow cycle is found in the ceiling vented compartment. Such kind of ceiling vent flow is principally different from the normal doorway flow. The fire plume and reverse gas inflow together establish a flow cycle inside the compartment.