A Numerical Study of the Backdraft Behavior with the Variation of the Ignition Location and Time

The behavior of backdraft in the compartment with different ignition locations and times was numerically investigated. The Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) v5.5.3 with a model-free simulation option was used in the numerical simulation of backdraft. The ignition source was located near the inside wall, at the compartment center and near the window opening, respectively. The ignition was started at the instance when the fresh air reached the ignition location or when a sufficient time passed compare to the instance of the arriving of the fresh air to the ignition location. As a result, for the ignition source was located near the inside wall, a strong fire ball was observed at once and the result was similar to the previous experimental result. For the ignition source was located at the center of the compartment, a strong fire ball was occurred and two strong fire balls were observed consecutively for the ignition time was delayed. For the ignition source was located near the window opening and longer time was given for the ignition compare the duration of the fresh air arriving to the ignition location, the rapid temperature variation was not observed because there was no flame. However, for the ignition was started at the instance when the fresh air reached the ignition location, the ignition could be initiated and a intensive fire ball was observed. The pressure measured at the upper inside part of the window opening provided a similar trend with the previous experimental result of compartment backdraft.