Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modelling

Fire development and smoke movement

Utilising CFD modelling for fire development and smoke movement within a specifc building allows Innovation Fire Engineering to investigate the risk to the occupants in the event of a fire. This allows us to quantify the duration prior to untenable conditions occurring in the individual building. The results of the CFD modelling are used in the fire safety engineering strategy report to demonstrate that the proposed design is acceptable. We utilise CFD modelling when the space is large or complex to justify an innovative building design, usually producing cost savings.

Thermal radiation for external fire spread.

Innovation Fire Engineering uses CFD modelling for the thermal radiation for external fire spread to justify unprotected areas and separation distances between the building and the notional boundary. Rather than following a standard generic approach, such as in the guidance in BRE 187, Innovation Fire Engineering can consider specific details about the structure and physical construction materials. By undertaking CFD modelling of the thermal radiation from a building, it allows greater unprotected areas or shorter separation distances than a prescriptive approach, whilst still ensuring adequate fire safety.