Implementation of a weak coupling approach between a CFD and an FE software for fires in compartment

Abstract

The paper presents the assumptions and the issues that arise when developing an integrated modelling methodology between a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software applied to compartment fires and a Finite Element (FE) software applied to structural systems subjected to fire. In particular, a weak coupling approach used to simulate a fire exposed structure by modelling the fire development in the compartment, the heat penetration in the structure and the mechanical response is described. The advantages and the disadvantages of such a technique are highlighted compared to a full coupling that conversely takes into account all mutual interactions. The favourable aspect of computing the thermal response of the structure in the FE model in order to avoid modelling the structure in the CFD model is underlined, namely a sensitive reduction of computational demand. Finally, the study is enriched by an application of this methodology that concerns the simulation of a pool fire in an open compartment the results of which are compared with those obtained by employing the simplified Hasemi model included in the Eurocodes.