Numerical simulation on cooling of the fire-induced air flow by sprinkler water sprays

By the air drag and cooling effect of water droplets, the cooling of the fire-induced hot air flow by sprinkler water sprays is studied by using a three-dimensional field modelling technique. This gives a 'microscopic' description of visualizing how the sprinkler interacts with a smoke layer. Macroscopic parameters, such as drag-to-buoyancy ratio, convective cooling rate, etc., can be computed accordingly. With such a model, it is possible for the fire-safety engineers to design proper location, type and performance of sprinkler systems. Since experimental data for validating the model are absent, it is concluded that measurement from full-scale burning tests in a sprinklered compartment is needed.