National Bureau of Standards furniture calorimeter test data is compared to heat release rates predicted by a power-law fire growth model. A model for calculating fire gas temperatures and velocities along a ceiling, resulting from power-law fires is reviewed. Numerical and analytical solutions to the model are outlined and discussed. Computer programs are included to design and analyze the response of detectors and sprinklers. A program is also included to generate tables which can be used for design and analysis, in lieu of a computer.
Examples show how fire protection engineers can use the techniques presented.
The examples show how systems can be designed to meet specific goals. They also show how to analyze a system to determine if its response meets established goals. The examples demonstrate how detector response is sensitive to the detector's environment and physical characteristics.