A new model on simulating smoke transport with computational fluid dynamics

A new model is proposed for simulating smoke movement induced by a fire. Smoke is taken as a collection of particles with size described by a certain distribution function. Movement of the particles will be studied by dividing the physical problem into two parts: solid phase and air phase. The Lagrangian approach is used for studying motion of the solid phase, with the air flow simulated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Interaction between the air phase and the solid phase will be described by the particle-source-in-cell method. k-ε types of turbulence models are used in the simulation of air flow. Some of the results are also compared with the fire dynamics simulator model based on large eddy simulation developed at the Building and Fire Research Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA. Application of the model for designing smoke management system is also illustrated. This model should be useful for designing smoke management system as it describes an intermediate step while using CFD.