Citation

Galea ER, Markatos NC. Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer 1991; 34(1): 181-197.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0017-9310(91)90185-H

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A study is presented of a transient or steady-state, three-dimensional mathematical field model describing aircraft cabin fires, which will eventually replace reliance on empiricism. The computer code implementing the model utilizes a body-fitted coordinate formulation to detail accurately the aircraft interior, which is neither polar-cylindrical nor Cartesian. Investigation of the effect of openings in the compartmentation of the cabin and fuselage of a 737 aircraft on the temperature distribution in an empty cabin is conducted. With the interior fitted with seats, overhead containers, and ceiling panels, the effect of the air conditioning system on the temperature distribution within the burning fuselage is studied. The results indicate that a reverse flow situation, i.e., cold air injected through floor vents and hot air drawn out at ceiling vents, sharply lowers the temperature throughout the fuselage. It is concluded that the utilization of this venting procedure could lead to the control of the rate of spread of fire within the cabin.