Comparison of Cone Calorimetry and FDS Model of Low-Density Fiberboard Pyrolysis

Abstract

Combining bench scale physical experiments with numerical simulations become more and more common to enable upscaling to large scale conditions. Bench scale experiments are easier to control and to reproduce. They are less demanding in time and costs. However, it is essential to verify these simulations during their development process with real tests because incorporating all the factors that affect the burning process into numerical calculations is very challenging and doesn’t necessarily have to correspond to reality. The aim of the paper is to compare time to ignition of the FDS model with a real bench-scale experiment. Low-density fibreboards, commonly used for thermal insulation of buildings, are tested. Cone calorimetry is conducted to estimate time to ignition of the fibreboard specimens, which will provide a baseline for further accuracy assessment of the FDS simulation. A simultaneous thermal analysis of wood fibres is carried out to provide input data for the model. Plausible results accuracy would enable application of the obtained outcomes in large-scale FDS enclosure fire simulation.