A small-world network model for the simulation of fire spread onboard naval vessels

This work is devoted to the development of a small-world network model to predict real-time fire spread onboard naval vessels. This model takes into account short-range and long-range connections between neighboring and remote network compartments. Fire ignition and flashover, as well as fire transmissions through the walls and ventilation ducts are simulated using time-dependent normal probability density functions. Mean durations of fire transmission through the walls and ducts are determined by a three-zone model and a one-dimensional CFD code, respectively. Specific experiments are conducted in a steel room, representative of a naval vessel compartment, in order to validate the zone model. Then a proof of concept is developed by applying the network model to a full-scale vessel mockup composed of 113 compartments on 7 decks. A statistical study is conducted to produce fire risk maps, classifying the vessel compartments according to their propensity to burn.