title: Visualization of hot flows of tall space fires in model experiments with Schlieren Photography technique.
abstract: The natural smoke exhaust system for tall spaces is more advantageous than the mechanical type of exhaust. In Taiwan, the effectiveness of natural smoke exhaust systems is inspected only by checking the vent area size. However, the air flow field in a tall space is very complicated, both at ordinary times or during fires. This study used Schlieren Photography technique, on the principle that light rays are refracted when penetrating materials of different densities, to test and simulate the dynamic measurement of hot air in tall space model. A single-mirror Schlieren system, including an 838 mm (H) × 736 mm (W) square concave mirror, as well as the focal length of 3100 mm was adopted. The experimental process of six smokeless candles were used for 1/12.5 model experiment to record the dynamic distribution and accumulation of air flow in the abovementioned space. FDS software was used to simulate various fire scenarios. The different locations of openings in some cases were studied with the maximum temperature scales of 40 and 45 °C, separately. The simulation results and experimental images showed highly similar hot air flow patterns. Schlieren Photography was proved capable of recording and visualizing the dynamic flow of hot air immediately, directly and accurately.
authors: Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, No. 1, Daxue Rd., Yanchao Dist., Kaohsiung City, 82445 Taiwan.
authors: ChungHwei
authors: C
authors: Su
authors: Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, No. 1, Daxue Rd., Yanchao Dist., Kaohsiung City, 82445 Taiwan.
authors: ShiuanCheng
authors: S
authors: Wang
authors: Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, No. 1, Daxue Rd., Yanchao Dist., Kaohsiung City, 82445 Taiwan.
authors: ChiaYuan
authors: C
authors: Shih
authors: Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, No. 1, Daxue Rd., Yanchao Dist., Kaohsiung City, 82445 Taiwan.
authors: YungChang
authors: Y
authors: Yang
keywords: Fire dynamics simulator (FDS); Natural smoke exhaust system; Schlieren Photography technique; Tall space